I don't understand how anyone can blog about what just happened yet. I have been deeply moved as never before. My very soul has been shaken to the core. I think it will take a few days to get to the point where I can make any sense even talking about the whole experience.
I will tell you that one thing I discovered is that there is a LOT of talent out there that make writing seem easy (and that is just the registrants @ WAJ.) Seeing my own glaring limitations made me realize that I have to work that much harder since it takes me longer than most to get it. Oh, believe me, I am stoked about songwriting as never before. That zeal, however, is tempered by a sobering question.
Do I have what it takes within me to step up my craft to the level of excellence I desire to attain? I have seen what it takes. I believe I understand for the first time where my goals must be set (I know, baby steps...I'm talking about the larger picture.) Am I willing to pour the very heart of me into His service regardless of the outcome? Am I able to give 150% knowing that failure is the most possible outcome? Success or failure cannot determine my soul's investment. I MUST write. I feel right now as though if I don't write I will die a slow, agonizing death inside, but the path before me has lead to a point of decision. A fork in the road.
God help me take the right way.
I will tell you that one thing I discovered is that there is a LOT of talent out there that make writing seem easy (and that is just the registrants @ WAJ.) Seeing my own glaring limitations made me realize that I have to work that much harder since it takes me longer than most to get it. Oh, believe me, I am stoked about songwriting as never before. That zeal, however, is tempered by a sobering question.
Do I have what it takes within me to step up my craft to the level of excellence I desire to attain? I have seen what it takes. I believe I understand for the first time where my goals must be set (I know, baby steps...I'm talking about the larger picture.) Am I willing to pour the very heart of me into His service regardless of the outcome? Am I able to give 150% knowing that failure is the most possible outcome? Success or failure cannot determine my soul's investment. I MUST write. I feel right now as though if I don't write I will die a slow, agonizing death inside, but the path before me has lead to a point of decision. A fork in the road.
God help me take the right way.
Powered by ScribeFire.
4 comments:
JROD,
You are a songwriter and nothing changes that. Jesus doesn't ask you how many cuts you got, all he asks you is what you did with what he gave you. As long as we are faithful we do not need to worry about what the fruits of our labor are. (See the parable of talents...) I personally believe you are a talented writer. You know what you need to do to get to that next level and that you've got some tough scheduling to figure out. But you are a talented writer.
yeah, what he said. Worldly success is not heavenly success.
Chris,
The post probably seemed a little too angst-ridden. Notice the disclaimer about not being able to make sense yet.
Perhaps this will put my post into the proper perspective. The truth is that I decided this year that I am not going to define success by radio play or other such fleeting criteria.
Reality, transparency, vulnerability. Those three partially describe the core of difficult path I must take. Part of the next level for me is the place where my writing moves the soul of the listener. Whether that ever reached radio is not really that important. (Nice, but not important.)
Hopefully that clears things up. I know at first glance I sound depressed. Not so, but I've already given away most of my next post, so stay tuned.
PS - thanks for your kind words.
Jrod,
I am right there with you, man! I know I'm a songwriter and I know I'll keep writing. I just want to check my goals every now and then and make sure they are in line with God's. It's so hard to know. But I DO know our songs need to touch the hearts and souls of others, just like you said.
Keep praying and being faithful!
Post a Comment