(This post was written by Michael Wallace, High School Pastor)

This week Matt Grimes and I had the chance to take part in the annual Youth Pastor Summit in Orlando, Florida.  The event itself was pretty neat…great band, speakers, etc.  We felt challenged and empowered to continue helping students follow Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.  Truly a great event.

Then, to amp up the greatness of our experience, we discovered that we had been given FREE tickets to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (or as Matt and I referred to it…Continents of Suspense, Hemispheres of Mystery, or Global Quadrants of Joy)!  Let me tell you, the only thing better than going to a theme park is going to a theme park for free!  And the only thing better than going to a theme park for free on a school day in February!  The lines were so short we were able to ride every ride in both parks in under 5 hours. 

Even in the midst of this great afternoon at a world class theme park, I couldn’t help but notice the incredible creativity that went into making the surroundings.  Each area of the park was constructed with such immaculate detail, crazy special effects and an enormous budget…but what was all the creativity for?  What was the life-long impact of riding “The Incredible Hulk” supposed to be?  What was the true significance of experiencing “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”?

You see, friends, we have all been given the gift of creativity.  Genesis 1:1 says that “In the beginning God created…” and in 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image.”  God created, He created us in His image…therefore He created us to be creative creators!

How are you pushing your creative limits?  How are you following through with the creativity that God gave you?  Are your most creative moves seen at work, or at home with your family?  On your hobby or a date night with your spouse?  We have chances every day to create more significant experiences than anything Universal or Disney can come up with.  Creativity is a great gift…let’s use it in a way that will leave a lasting impact.