Easter is a time when we reflect on what Christ did for us. However, there isn’t much time to reflect when you have a whole slew of projects that have to get done by Easter weekend!
As creative staff and volunteers, we are the ones who do our best to make great media so that the people in the crowd who come to church (maybe only twice a year) will actually get something out of it. We have a big responsibility.
As I was working on my share of projects for Easter weekend, I started to feel a little bit overwhelmed. I couldn’t get any creative ideas flowing in my head, I had other responsibilities taking away from design time, and every time I sat down at the computer I felt like I was looking at a blank screen, like an artist staring at an empty canvas.
Feeling not only frustrated, but also overwhelmed by deadlines, I began to worry. Big time. I know that we are not supposed to worry, but it’s hard not to when there are things you have to get done and you don’t know where to start. I could have wallowed in my worry for the rest of the week, eventually getting my work done, but at the expense of my sanity. Instead, God pulled me aside one night and reminded me of a few things…
1. Just Relax
Sometimes I feel like it is up to me and my ability to create elements that will touch people’s lives during a service. I make it my responsibility that people feel God’s presence.
But that’s not true.
My job is to do the best I can with the gifts I have been given and let God take care of the rest. He is the One who changes people’s lives, not me. This isn’t an excuse for poor planning or half-hearted creating. We should do everything we can with excellence. But when it comes right down to it, God is the one who is going to affect change in people, not us.
When we come to this realization it takes a load of responsibility off of our shoulders. We can give it to God and not worry over the outcome.
Worry won’t add a day to your life, or make your media any better. Take a deep breath and relax; it’s all going to come together.
2. Be Yourself
The past couple weeks I’ve been searching the web looking for video ideas for Easter. I saw tons of cool videos that were very impressive. Then, when I sat down to make my own video, I felt stuck.
I had seen so many good videos that anything I tried to create looked horrible to my eyes. Everything I made I compared to the videos I’d been watching. And since I’d been watching really good videos, the stuff I was making looked that much worse.
Granted, I haven’t been making videos very long. I’m a newbie when it comes to video production, but I am still a stickler for quality work. I like watching great videos, and I know when mine aren’t the best. I start to think what’s the point. I might as well just stop creating them because they will never be that good.
Eventually I had to just stop comparing my work to others. I have to be content with where I am in my level of design skills. Even if it’s not as good as others, that’s okay. Everyone has to start somewhere. I know it’s beneficial to watch other people’s work to get inspired. And I am inspired by many of the videos being created for and by different ministries. When it comes time for me to make my videos, however, I just have to start creating. I can’t worry that it doesn’t look as professional as someone else’s work. I have to embrace where I am in my creative journey.
When you sit down to create, be yourself. Don’t worry about trying to imitate this video or that graphic. Be happy with where you’re at with your skills right now, and know that when you are done with this project you will be that much better. Every month look back at your old work and notice how far you’ve come. We are a work in progress—give yourself some grace.
After all, it is Easter. You, like me, might still have a long way to go, but don’t worry about it. Trust that God can use you and your gifts where you are at right now.
And let Him take care of the rest.
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