Everyday creativity

I've been thinking a lot recently about my idea of a creative person. I think its easy to say that includes people with interests in music, drama, writing, dance and fine arts. But I've been working on a different definition of creative lately.

I'll call it everyday creativity in the face of adversity.

Last night as I scavenged our kitchen for a snack to bring to small group, I was again reminded of how imaginative you become on a budget. I amazed myself by pulling off homemade brownies (with oreo cookies crumbs) and a plate of sliced vegetable and pita with roasted red pepper hummus (leftovers from company earlier in the week) all the while dealing with time and money shortages.

Time, money, patience, skill, we all find ourselves deficient in something and must find solutions to everyday problems that arise while dealing with our shortcomings. I like to imagine us as superheroes saving the world from natural disasters and tragedy all the while battling evil villains with names like The Time Waster, or Over-Budget Man.

Its the everyday stuff we do that goes unnoticed that I think deserves some creativity recognition.
People who get an entire new wardrobe at a thrift store for $50
Those who find new routes through traffic to get to their appointment on time
Someone with no previous plumbing experience who runs water lines and installs a new sink
A VLI student who records his notes to an MP3 so he can do yard work and study at the same time

These are the true superheroes of everyday creativity!