Leaving Space Open

[The Creative Call – XIV]

For three weeks I’ve been reflecting on creativity, specifically the creative call in each of us. I’ve discovered aspects of creativity that I believe are helpful. Here are a few.

Creativity is a divine gift.
Creativity is hospitable.
Creativity is inherently generous.
Creativity is not only about production. It’s not only art. Though it can be both.
It’s also a type of gracious gaze, whereby we give ourselves a second chance.
Creativity is fundamentally about having a voice.
And creativity must be protected.

There is one, less popular “discipline” rarely associated to creativity that I think might be at the center of recovering all of our creative calls.

I was sketching out an outline for a book idea the other day. (I’m currently looking at it on my desk in front of me.) The information on the page is what you might expect: working title at the top, then a loosely defined thesis, then a point, subpoint, subpoint, point, subpoint, etc. About three-quarters the way down the outline there’s a large open space, and then there’s a point, subpoint, subpoint, etc.

My outlines often have this open space at first. I can’t see quite yet what ought to be in that part of the book, but I know something must be there. I can only see dimly the contours of the space, but I can’t see anything inside. It serves as a note to myself: “Continue chewing on this section; something will come.” But it’s also a small dose of motivation every time I glance at the page: “This blank space is open for the taking. Who wants it? What creative content is gonna go there?”

I realized that the creative call is often a matter of leaving space open. My creativity might be just enough to see a loose outline for the future or the contours of change that needs making. By leaving some space open, I am both reminding you that your creative gifts are needed and (hopefully) motivating you to step up and engage your creative work.

I don’t have to say everything, discover everything, or know everything. Sometimes the most creative thing I can do is merely point at space that needs filling.

Creativity reminds others of their creativity.
It inspires more creativity.
But it has to be willing to leave some space open.