June 24, 2016

Uncreative but Passionate! by Tandy Balson



I have never thought of myself as a creative person.  While others were busy with wondrous creations I referred to myself as craft challenged!

As long as I can remember I have had a passion for singing. This was my creative outlook. When I was a child my mom taught me songs that she’d learned as a girl. We would always sing in the car rather than listen to the radio.  I joined choirs in school and carried the love of music into my adult years.  

When my daughter was in Girl Guides I had fun learning the Brownie and Guide songs.  Soon I became Area Music Trainer and went from group to group teaching songs, musical games and folk dances to enthusiastic girls and their leaders. I stayed with the organization for fifteen years and sharing music was one of the highlights for me.

One of my musical outlets was as an active member of the Sweet Adelines, a women’s chorus that sang four-part harmony acapella.  I also spent many years as a member of church worship teams. This was the ultimate passion for me as singing praises to the Lord enabled me to feel connected to him in a way that nothing else could.

Our little church closed five years ago and the desire to join the worship team at our new church was never present.  I enjoyed singing as a member of the congregation, but didn’t feeling the calling to be part of the music ministry.

God replace this passion with a totally unexpected one. Gradually I felt him calling me to start writing. He has inspired me and given me words to share. This has fulfilled me in a way that only music had in the past.  To accompany the writing I have discovered a new-found interest in photography. My trusty iPhone camera is ever present!  These two new passions have helped me focus on the wonders and beauty that God surrounds us with everyday.

Although I look at creative people and think how nice it must be to have their talents, I refuse to say it will never happen. A few short years ago I wouldn’t have believed I had the ability to write. God can do amazing things when I trust him. I’ve heard of a business in my area that gives lessons in working with stained glass.  Maybe God will lead me in that direction!

5 comments:

  1. Singing is definitely artistic, Tandy! and your devotional writing is inspired!

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  2. Tandy,
    I'm delighted to hear that you enjoy music and singing. Maybe we'll have to put together an impromptu choir at conference :)

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  3. The only thing I would disagree with you is your title-I think creativity is expressed in many ways-definitely singing. And passion always fuels creativity! Thanks for writing.

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  4. I can identify with you, Tandy. I never thought of my love of taking photos as a talent, but there is something about noticing people or spots in nature that deserve a shot. Choosing the subject, the balance, the framing--we can have an innate ability for that, i.e. talent.

    Being on a team for church music, we read the scriptures and it's neat how the idea of a specific song often pops right into our minds. Just the "art of living," and especially the art of living the Christian life, all of this is a gift. When we live a life of prayer, God's grace enters into the picture, and I don't necessarily mean a photo. Your blog made me think of all sorts of things that become art. How about putting together a meal for guests! Is that an art of hospitality?

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  5. Conclusion, Tandy. You are not uncreative at all.

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