Creativity is the corner where work and wonder meet. My wife finds it best in her garden. Even as she fusses over the thievery of squirrels or a sluggish tomato crop, turning over dirt and experiencing every stage of life does something unique to her soul.  As she creates and nurtures, the reflection of her nurturing Creator can be seen.

That’s why hobbies are so important.

But we need a new word for “hobbies.” Most hear it and think, “a luxury meant for people who aren’t as busy as I am.” So, let’s rewrite the definition more clearly.

Hobbies: something you do because you love it, not because you need it.

That’ll work for now. When you do something simply because you love it, the creative part of God in us shines forth. Hobbies aren’t necessary for survival per se. We don’t need music, yet there are artifacts from 6,000+ years ago of animal bones shaped into flutes by men and women.

Aeons before early humans started imagining writing or agriculture, they were crafting tools for making music…the most abstract of the arts. No one likes a hit record because it sounds like the natural world. We like music because it sounds like music – because it sounds different.

Steven Johnson
Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World

When our ancestors were huddled around a fire trying to stay warm, they also created by singing and dancing and inventing. It’s always been that way. Like a signet ring on wax, we are all stamped into the image of our Creator.

Wonder and fun and creativity are a part of the abundant life Jesus came to bring (John 10:10). Whereas some try to find their refuge within recreation itself, Christians get to experience all of creation with the Refuge Himself. Life in Christ simply brings life to everything else.

So, if life is too frantic to do (or discover) something you love, you are not being productive. You’re surviving. Productivity means producing, and that requires creativity and wonder – a hobby. Something that creates a spark in you when talking about it with other people.

What creates a spark in you?

Take roasting coffee, for example. I can bore the brains out of most people talking about the nuances and chemistry that happens when a coffee bean hits “first crack” in my drum roaster, yet it’s fascinating. A lot of my friends prefer grabbing their store-bought Keurig cups on their way out the door, but they don’t love coffee like I do. There’s a wonder to it that sparks the creative part of my heart.

Every morning, as I brew a pour-over, I imagine someone in Japan or Ethiopia or Brazil (other coffee-crazed countries) doing the same thing. In a huge world where my little life can almost feel swallowed up by insignificance, it reminds me that we are connected as people. I may not understand their language or culture, but a hot drink made with carefully burned cherry seeds shows our common humanity. One created in the image of God and redeemed by Christ. In other words, a connected life filled with significance.

I love it so much I don’t even care how ridiculous it is that I’m blogging about coffee right now (which, by definition, is basically the most Millennial thing someone can do).

You may find the same sort of wonder in golf or beekeeping or fishing or stamp collecting. Or perhaps it’s time for you to discover something new altogether. Whatever it is, don’t add it to your schedule because you need to be “well-rounded.” Do it because of the wonder and excitement it sparks in your heart. Remember, Christ came that we might have life, and have it abundantly.

What is something you do because you love it, not because you need it? I’d like to hear about it – post in the comments below!