Just a few weeks ago, while my wife and I were stuck in London, I was able to visit the city of Oxford. The main reason we went was for a tour of the various sights associated with C.S. Lewis. We were able to understand more fully the life of Lewis after seeing the places where he lived and worked.
The highlight of the tour for me was “the lake.” Behind the house where Lewis lived was a forest, and in the forest was a lake (really, it was more of a pond) where Lewis would spend hours, alone, thinking and writing. It’s said to be the place where he had the inspiration for his infamous Chronicles of Narnia. And being there, I quickly understood how inspiration could come by spending extended time there behind Lewis’ house.
It was a beautiful spot. There was a walking path circling the lake. There were lots of old trees. And dense shrubs. We were there in the spring, so many plants were beginning to bloom. All around, you heard the sounds of nature: bugs, birds, wind, and creaking trees. Yet there was this sense of quiet and rest that was present, too. No cars. No rustling of people. No distractions.
And I was reminded that we serve a beautiful, creative God.
Spending time outside, away from my normal environment of four walls, a door, and a computer, helps get my creative juices flowing.
What helps you when you need to think creatively?
