Wide Open

Samuel Dinsmore
Aug 25, 2017 · 3 min read

I spent this weekend in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with some beautifully creative people. It was bliss. Space to rest, make new friends and reflect on God’s goodness and the gifts we use.

Mostly for my own processing, here are a few of the chunks of wisdom I picked up throughout the weekend.


Put yourself into your work

We’re all uniquely created to create in our own voice. But holding back from sharing that voice is holding back on what God is saying through us.

Your gift should be life giving.

Creating has highs and lows but God doesn’t create us to be emotionally pushed beyond our capabilities. Satisfaction should be found in Him, not in what we do.

God doesn’t promise success.

And it’s releasing that you don’t have to be great. God might be calling you to average. Success is immaterial, we’re simply called to praise God with what we’ve been given.

“I [God] want you to show love
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.”
- Hosea 6:6

God gives us gifts not just for us but for us to pass on.

Our gifts can mean access to different places and people. But everything is temporary, Jesus is the only thing that is promised to remain when all else is shaken.

(On permission) “It’s a green light until it’s red.”
“If you’re dry creatively maybe your soul is thirsty.”
“See the world through a benevolent gaze.”

Our internal compasses are vital for creatives.

The creative life is about decision, direction and definition. It’s about how we connect to our maker on our best days and the mundane.

Courageously we need to explore new and exciting ways to live.

“Explore your gifts, take your risks and put one step in front of another knowing there’s ground beneath you and all of heaven cheers you on.”
- Andy Kelham

)

Samuel Dinsmore

Written by

Image maker, Christian, Husband type.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade