Beloved of God

Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot 

I experienced a bit of a breakthrough after reading  this book. I received an e-mail from someone advising me that I shouldn’t give up on my art career. I wasn’t going to say anything until I remembered that I was tired of being quiet about it. Such a tremendous weight lifted off me afterwards! Here it is. (Yes, I saved that bugger!)

(Their comment)

Do not take your talent and your ability for granted, it is the very thing that will bring you wealth in so many ways and on so many levels… What would the world being missing if you never drew again..your art is one of the many ways that you express yourself…Your work can change the lives of many people, but you must be convinced and settled about who you are.  

(My reply)

…I couldn’t agree more. A talent or gift shouldn’t be taken for granted but used, developed, and appreciated. And that is exactly what I intend to do. Only, I don’t believe it was intended to be drawing. So I think a more appropriate question to ask would be, What would the world (and I) be missing if I pursued drawing? After all, anyone can practice something until they’re good at it, but that doesn’t necessarily make it their purpose in life. I’m not saying I will never draw again, but I am saying it’s not my thing. I don’t want you to think that I’m giving up some major part of me by not pursuing this because drawing never was that much a part of me. That became even more evident to me when reading your e-mail. (This may get a bit long, but bear with me.)

When I was in high school, I applied for Governor’s School of Art (twice). I didn’t get accepted and I was angry. I wasn’t angry because I had this deep passion to create and was denied the opportunity to be in an environment where I could better develop my skills. In fact, I applied because my instructor wanted me to. I applied because that’s what people expect of other people who have the ability to draw. I was angry because I knew I had the talent! That, however, was not enough. What I lacked wasn’t something I could obtain or practice. It had to be wired in me, but it wasn’t. Though, on several occasions I attempted to make it be in me and failed.

There was something different about me and those that were accepted to that school: they had a connection with their work. The texture, line, and color they used were chosen, perhaps, because of the mood they were in. I simply copied what I saw before me. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t excitement when I did a piece with precision, but, for lack of a better term, it was empty. I had no inspiration. I didn’t carry a sketchbook around for the sheer joy of drawing. If and when I carried it, it was for a project of some kind. My work and the work of those accepted to that school had beauty of some form, but theirs had meaning. I see now I was angry without cause because I can now see God’s hand in it all. He knew what it was that I needed to admit: I didn’t belong there. So you see, the person you describe, the one that expresses their self through works of art isn’t me. I don’t believe it ever was. The lessons I learned when drawing, however, will not go to waste. Endurance and discipline are helpful in any area of life.

So, to answer your question, the world won’t be missing anything but will gaining the real me – the me that God called before the beginning of time. If I never drew again, I believe He will show me my rightful assignment in life, and in this I am convinced and settled. Most assuredly, it will be that assignment which will bring ultimate wealth and fulfillment to me and the lives of others.

[Christ] said no to good things so he could say yes to the right thing  -Max Lucado 

The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meets  - Frederick Buechner 

The person that sent me the e-mail meant well, I’m sure. I just felt it was time to say something. I’m glad I was given the opportunity.

Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life (W Publishing Group, 2005)106

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