“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”
–Proverbs 8:12 (KJV)
Once upon a time there was a little girl with big dreams. She was reading her King James Bible back in the day when that was the only version available. When she came across Proverbs 8:12 she knew—just knew—that her wild imagination would one day transform a creative idea into a ‘witty invention’.
This verse was for her.
This verse was for me!
Though scripture memory has never been my strength, I latched onto this Proverb as if it had been personally addressed to that awkward little beanpole named Heather Love.
And although I own, and prefer, other Bible translations, I’m still drawn to the King James’ translation when I look to this verse for fresh motivation. To think that the Lord Himself, through the Holy Spirit, is the One who sparks my imagination and originates ideas is such a satisfying and validating truth.
Through the years I’ve gone through different fads and have attempted different creative ventures (puffy paint shirts, anyone? *cringe*), in my heart of hearts I was certain that God had called me to something bigger than myself. The many hobbies and outlets I’ve participated in were but warm up exercises for the inevitable.
Different seasons in life (like homeschooling four kids) provided different opportunities. And in those times my highest calling was, of course, as wife and mother. Still . . . I had an assurance that one day when the kids became functioning adults, the Lord would unleash a particular ‘witty invention’ and my creative compass would point in a certain direction. Writing has become that catalyst. It brings me joy, it challenges me, and it increases my faith (deadlines will do that!).
Gold medalist Eric Liddell, of Chariot’s of Fire fame, is quoted as saying, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
I can relate. When I find that writing sweet spot and the words and ideas are flowing, I, too, feel His pleasure! In the fiber of my soul there’s a near tangible connection to the divine that is hard to describe, yet easy to recognize.
Have you found your witty invention? It may not be something that’s noticed by others. Perhaps you have the gift of growing seeds into a bounty of blooms. Maybe you share your friends’ burdens through prayer and encouragement. Perhaps you serve your church behind the scenes in some capacity.
“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” –1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (KJV *wink*)
Of course, through Christ God is completely pleased with us. We do not have to earn it. But there are times when we can almost feel the Lord smile as we walk out our purpose.
When have you experienced His pleasure in such a way? Is there a witty invention inside of you?
Heather L.L. FitzGerald writes from her home in Texas, while dreaming of being back in the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. She’s been married for 28 years and has four grown children and one grand baby (so far!). Her YA fantasy is available through Amazon or may be ordered through any book retailer. Books include The Tethered World (OCW Cascade Award finalist), and The Flaming Sword (OCW Cascade Award winner, Speculative Fiction), and The Genesis Tree (a finalist in both Realm Makers and Blue Ridge Mountains Writer’s Conferences, TBA this summer). Connect with Heather: website/blog (free eBook with newsletter sign up), Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram.
Beverly Cheevers