The Wild Child: she was the kid who wouldn't be contained, confined or convinced to follow the rules; bold and carefree of the consequences making every rule-follower in the room terribly uncomfortable. We were embarrassed for her! And she didn't give a rip!
What did the wild child have that the rule-followers didn’t? What if we could place that wildness in the Light? What would that be like? “Wild child” often refers to a kid that lacks of discipline, but I believe a healthy streak of “wild” is a discipline many of us lack as adults. When it comes to stepping into the true light of a purposeful life, how do we grow to be wild and free?
What if her wild spirit and her willingness to make us uncomfortable, to stand up when everyone else sits, to seem careless of consequences—what if that vibrant streak in her was necessary to who she was becoming? And what if her tamed surroundings muted her color? What becomes of her? What is lost in the process of conforming to all that preference and comfort? When the common place is tidy and controlled, what happens to the free-spirits?
I'm aware that my newest art probably makes some people a little uncomfortable— especially if they're still looking for me to paint for the comfort of the living room. Even my writing is more confrontational. To be honest, comfort isn't what I'm inspired by right now. It’s not my objective either. I follow the wild, creative Spirit of Inspiration because l've learned there are consequences when I don't. I do not like those consequences: it's entirely too confining a space for a creative person to live within. It’s like putting the wild child in the time out closet, or buttoning her up in a fancy dress. Wild obedience is a term I’ve become familiar with, although that’s one of those ironic word pairings. It’s a thing, and it works in the art studio, and it also applies to life in the wild. The spirit of God moves and leads us in directions that discomforts the tame.
Here's what I'm saying: it seems like we are at a point in time when we need to regain the courage to stand at the Spirit’s suggestion. Have the courage to trust in that creative tug even when it causes a stir— but cuz we want to cause a ruckus or need attention— but to be obedient to God’s call. The fear of what other’s think is a prison for the wild child who was created to create. Wait— not too fast, you left brain people. You’re not off the hook. Isn’t every child of God created to create? And weren’t we all wild before we weren't?
The time is now…to be seen expressing, to be heard rejoicing. Because if we focus too much on maintaining the comfort of others, too much will pass us by. And there are treasures that can only be found in the uncomfortable places. In the wild, there are Truths we cannot be taught.
May you have the courage to discover a freedom so bright it feels rebellious in a dimly lit room; a light so true it can not be ignored.
