Once, in early days, someone said of me, “He’s an artist,” and I demurred. Why? I was embarrassed. I knew I wasn’t a very good artist, so I shunned the title. But in shunning the title, I may have been hampering my own progress toward becoming what I secretly thought would be great.
This inhibition is one of the things that holds us back. Because we’re not already “it,” we hesitate to identify with the new interest and we can stop there.
Face it, you have a number of gifts and multiple interests; what’s the harm in owning one more?
Okay, there is a certain level society will expect of us. A person can’t go around saying he’s a medical doctor just because he may have an interest in health. And you can’t boast of being a reader when the extent of your reading is The TV Guide.
Then again, if you can drive, you’re a driver; if you’re teaching, you’re a teacher; if you work, you’re a worker.
It’s the verb that defines the noun.
Emily Dickinson never published a poem, Vincent Van Gogh never sold a painting. Was Emily a poet? Was Vincent a painter?
Okay, one of Van Gogh’s pieces sold before his death, and of Emily’s 1800 poems, 11 were published in her lifetime. But the point’s the same, each was doing their craft and had well earned their titles whether or not anybody else knew it at the time.
So, forget the false humility. Whatever you’re doing, that’s what you are. And the more you own up to it, the more you’ll do it.
If not, the loss is yours . . . and the rest of ours.
So, fill in the blank, “I am a ____________.”
Now, back to work.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:09 am
Love it!! Thank you!!! You are so right! Back to work! Best! Lisa
9:16 am
What a Seer!
9:55 am
Interesting thought, Hyatt. We live in a culture based on competition, it seems. How we compare with others defines us, which is cruel, seeing there’s always going to be someone who is “better.” That’s the blessing of being known by God. He sees us as we are as having extreme value, removing us from that comparative loop. Hence, there’s that peace knowing that my unique capacity for whatever I’m learning to do is enough, and fulfilling, and good.
10:10 am
Yes and amen.
10:44 am
Thank you, Hyatt. This really helps me as I’m just starting my art career.
11:36 am
I finally learned NOT to compare myself and work to others! I am what I am (not Popeye) and feel I am an artist and musician even if I never play a concert (did play for services many years) or become a famous artist – but I can have my pieces in a show and enjoy them with others works!
5:32 pm
I don’t know how you do it, but you ring the bell each time. Awesome.
10:42 am
Just excellent Hyatt! Thank you so much.
If you’re ever curious, I keep a collection of favorite paintings here: http://www.pastoradambartonart.com
I did not know that about Emily Dickenson.
Thank you,
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio