On Christ and the Work of Creation

By Jennifer Debenham

Happy Easter everyone. Naturally, with this most significant holiday in Christianity, my thoughts have been turning to our Savior. In addition to thinking of Him in His role as Savior and Redeemer, I have also been pondering His role as Creator. Under the direction of our Heavenly Father, He created all things.

A few years ago, Elder Deiter F. Uchtdorf, apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, offered great insight into the creative natures of our Heavenly Father and Savior--our elder brother--Jesus Christ, in his inspiring talk: "Happiness, Your Heritage." I will never forget the moment I heard this talk because it seemed that he was speaking to me alone, and yet Elder Uchtdorf's words prove his message is for everyone. I can think of no message more inspiring to those of us who seek for creative outlets. To be inspired completely, click here.

As a reminder to those of you who've already experienced this talk or as an appetizer to those who've yet to enjoy it, here is a little snippet: "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

"Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

"Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty." ~President Deiter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

It is no accident that you and I seek to create something that hasn't existed before. It's in our spiritual DNA as children of the most creative being in the universe.

It's no accident so many of us make the effort to stretch ourselves a little bit further so we can experience the fruits of our creative labors.

And I believe it's no accident each of us perusing the likes of the ANWA blog, and other inspirational writerly resources, find ourselves choosing WRITING as at least one of our modes of creation. The yearning to create is part of our nature. The way we choose to create, I believe, is one part a response to our natural talents and gifts, and one part our determination to develop or improve those particular talents and gifts.

So in our quest to mold our work into "something of beauty," perhaps we can also consider how we can pay tribute to the Supreme Creator of us all. And isn't it lovely to know the world will never be burdened with too many good books, too many inspiring poems, too many stories that matter and that are told with decency and honor?