Don’t Be a Surface Skimmer
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
We live in a culture where we want to keep all our options open. We’re more comfortable critiquing the work or performance of others than creating our own offerings. But eventually, we must release the many options and commit to the one. Until we do, we’ll continue to chase endless possibilities while finishing none.
This is the hardest stage for many. At first, it may feel limiting. And in one sense, it is. Nothing is for everyone. So create what stirs you and then serve it full strength to the hungry. That isn’t settling for less. It’s being settled in your gifting.
But a singular focus is also expansive. The more time you spend with your passion, the more you see the endless possibilities available. Like realizing a single diamond contains countless facets.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. My focus is on God, story, and creativity. But rather than limiting me, it has provided an expansive playground for books on everything from overcoming chaos and defying artificial reality to reclaiming what we lost in Eden, and an allegory that’s part Matrix and part Alice in Wonderland.
Committing to what stirs you allows you to dive deep rather than just skim the surface.
And remember, what you are committing to isn’t forever. This is a project, not a marriage. You are giving your “yes” for the duration of the project—meaning that unless it’s derailed by an unforeseen crisis or situation beyond you, this will be your thing. For a season.
There’s immense power in making this decision. Seeing something through will likely be harder than you imagined. Nothing worthwhile is easy. Even so, the learning will prove invaluable. You will discover how to not just start well but finish well.
Are you ready to commit? If you’re still not sure, the next reading is for you.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God. Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
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