The holidays are upon us and, if you have ever suffered from depression or known someone who has, then you can attest truthfully to the fact that depression is much worse during this time of the year. Why?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well known variation of depression. SAD seems to be triggered by a decrease in daily sunlight exposure and usually comes on during the fall or winter months and subsides in the spring.
Not only are the days growing shorter, the skies growing darker, and the temperature dropping but there are those pesky, worrisome upcoming holiday get togethers. For many, the prospect of spending a day confined in one space with family members can be akin to a walk through the Halloween haunted house!

But, there is something you can do. Be creative.

What, you ask? I don't have a creative bone in my body?

My daughter and I recently visited Hobby Lobby. Casey is an avid artist and she decided this year to make something for friends and family members for each holiday from Halloween to Christmas. She delighted in choosing a canvas to paint on, small flat figures to glue on the canvas, and a small wreath to adorn for Christmas. For each holiday, she is creating a small gift for friends and family.

Now, you may say “I’m not creative”. But, I challenge you to consider the act of creativity itself as an act of worship. Anyone can pick up a paint by number craft or glue felt turkeys to a background. It is not the actual quality of the art that matters. It is the act of thinking and acting creatively.

Studies have shown that when we use the part of our brain that is creative, we move out of the shadow of depression and into a bigger, brighter world.

I am reading a new book by singer/songwriter, novelist Andrew Peterson on the process of being creative. Here is what he had to say about the act of storytelling in his book, “Adorning the Dark”.

“Since we are made to glorify God, worship happens when someone is doing exactly what he or she was made to do . . . I hope it’s clear that I’m not talking about the quality (or lack thereof) of the song itself. That’s irrelevant. The point is, time is unfolding like a scroll, and we’re letters on the parchment, helping to make the words that tell the story. Each of us is a character, in both senses of the word. At times, characters become aware that they’re part of the story, and that brings the realization that, first, there is an author, and second, they are not him.”

So, look beyond your depression today and grasp the least thread of creativity that sings within your soul. It will lead to a tapestry, a Story unfolding around you that is part of the fabric of a reality created by God. And, once you find your place in that Story, create something; make something; build something; color something; add your piece to the Story that God is telling and in the process, you will find peace and joy that, for a moment, if not a lifetime, will lift you our of your depression.