Creativity—Art—Life—Never Go as Planned

My talk didn’t go as I planned. Which is funny because the theme of the talk ended up being “Things don’t generally go as planned”. I appreciated the invitation from Dr. Reese to come and talk to your combined creative writing classes. The invitation stemmed from some conversations Dr. Reese and I were talking about the creative process, and specifically the creative process involved in priestly ministry. So when he invited me to come I read a book about the creative process and had brainstormed about my creative process and was ready to be a priest giving a lecture about creative writing. But I don’t really know anything about creative writing.

What I do know and have studied is the spiritual life. When I was a senior in college I had an epiphany when I realized that of all the things I learned at USD, learning how to pray and listen to the prompting of God in my life was the most important. It was around that time when I also decided that teaching people about God and a willingness to acknowledge that he has a plan for your life was a greater good than teaching students about pottery. This realization was not part of my plan, but it led me to the seminary. The seminary led me to the priesthood. Priesthood led me to being a university chaplain sitting in front of a creative writing class.

Over the course of the evening the conversation went from me trying to tell you how to write a story to me telling my story. My story isn’t particularly exciting but it's mine, and living out this story has been much more meaningful and peaceful once I committed myself to following the Lord’s lead. When I left the classroom that night I was disappointed that I never got to share with you my creative process. For the next week I felt like I had failed to share my new found insights into creativity, most of which I had just gleaned from Rick Rubin’s book on the same topic. I brooded over my failure, and told people around me what I planned on saying to you and generally thought I’ll try to do better next time, if there is a next time. Then I got your letters.

Your letters are once again a testament to the need to let the Holy Spirit lead. Our conversation that night didn’t go where I planned it; it went where it needed to go. The inspiration I received that led me to pursue the priesthood and a life of sharing the Gospel was verified in our conversation. Rereading those letters months later I still tear up when I hear your yearning for something greater and the willingness to ask for guidance. I’m sorry I haven’t replied sooner and haven’t replied individually. My door is always open, and I would love to have conversations with all of you.

A quick reply to some of the questions raised. If you are struggling with your identity in the world, start with seeking your identity as a beloved son or daughter of God. If you feel disconnected from the Lord, we are usually the ones who break that connection, but through individual or communal prayer Jesus is always ready to welcome us back. If you are struggling with the anxiety of what the future will bring for you, seek wise counsel on earthly things, build your relationship with Jesus and allow Him to lead the way. Life will be an adventure with all of the highs and lows of any great story but with the Lord leading it will bring you to your best life.

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ABOUT MOUNT MARTY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.