remember whether you're successful or not, you have a gift - the ability to make art- that the rest of the world is madly jealous over.
Christine Winship said that a couple of days ago in a comment on this blog.
Her statement tracks nicely with something I often say:
you have a responsibility to share your gift....your art.....with the world.
I'm reminded of the story of a rich man who traveled to a far away country. He gave each of his three servants some money to watch while he was gone. Two of the servants invested the money and made even more money for their master. Admittedly, those two took some risks. They
could have
lost the money. But they knew something that you need to know....
nothing worthwhile comes without risk. The other servant, not wanting to risk money that was not his, simply buried the money so he could return
all of it to his master. When the master returned, the servant who buried the money was severely chastised.
Here's the point. In this story, the "money" is a
metaphor for your
gifts.* (In fact, in the original story the word used is "talents").
You have been given certain gifts by natural selection, the universe, the creator, or God.....choose the one that fits your believe system.
And you have a
responsibility to
share those gifts with the world.....the world will be a richer place for it.
So think about this:
how can you change the world if you're afraid to get out there and share your art with people?
Sincerely,
Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic
PS - Be Brave. Remember what Hugh MacLeod says, "
If the fu*ker doesn't cost you your life, it isn't a quest" (Update - some have felt it was inappropriate for me to quote Hugh's wording here.
I apologize and explain below.)
*Actually, some Christians believe the "talents" represent the Gospel, with the point being not to "hide" the good news of the gospel by "burying" it. If you care to read the story it appears in Matthew 25:14-30.
via clintwatson.net
I suppose this will start some antagonism. I like the content of this entry and the point it is making. But I can't for the life of me figure why you quote from the bible and then tack on the profane P.S. I even agree with the sentiment of the P.S., I just hate it's wording. I don't think you are intentionally trying to tick people off, but that seems careless in my opinion.
Thanks,
Michael Slattery