All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. 

~Exodus 35:21 NLT

While I am no architect and would be all thumbs, or at least whack my thumbs with a hammer, were I to try to build anything, there are times when I feel called to create. One time in particular, I felt that God invited me to create something with Him. It all started with my tummy growling for snacks, but my soul got the feast.

My hubby and I were on vacation on the Pacific Coast of the Olympic Peninsula. We set out for a walk to the little grocery store one evening. I glanced ahead, and my heart skipped a beat. The late afternoon hit, and everything went golden. Foliage and buildings blocked my view of the western sky, but ahead, I could see the cabins glowing. Feeling as if I were in a dream, I tried to make my feet go faster so I could see what was happening out there.

And then I was past the blockage and wanted to dance. Oh, I did dance. With my iPhone camera. The views at Kalaloch are always beautiful, but this was spectacular. The low-lying clouds had rolled up like a stage curtain that had gotten stuck. The sun poured through the slit in a red-and-gold profusion.

As I snapped picture after picture, it was as though God called out to me, inviting me to participate with Him in creating art. This stretch of beach and bluff, the trees, the sky–all His creation beyond my comprehension. It was a privilege to be there, to respond, to find angles and perspectives, to create.

When God instructed Moses to construct a place, a tabernacle, in which the Israelites could worship while in the desert, He invited the people to join in with the gifts He’d provided for them. Craftsmanship, materials, precious metals, and design abilities, to name a few. Who knew that when they escaped from Egypt earlier, and their Egyptian neighbors loaded them down with silver, gold, and fine clothing, that these items would be used in this way? Well, of course, God knew. And now they had the opportunity to create something that would remind them of His provision and presence. A place to give Him praise and worship.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

~Colossians 3:17 NIV

It was never clearer to me than in that moment that God always invites us to participate with Him. Photography, writing, teaching, making cookies for VBS, whatever the gifts He’s given. We get to create with Him, and as we do, we give Him thanks.

What are the gifts our Father God has given you? When you use them, remember it’s in partnership with Him, and give Him thanks.

Father, may I be a faithful servant with the gifts You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: Called to Create: Anita van der Elst: All Rights Reserved.