I don’t know how may times I’ve said it in presentations. “I’m not trying to make you an artist, unless God has made you to be an artist, in which case, yes, please be an artist.”
I lied.
Oh it wasn’t intentional. I just failed to realize what I was desiring to do. You see I was saying that to help people get more comfortable. Most people after childhood have either firmly committed to being an artist or they have formed an equally strong commitment that they are not artists and they will never be one. The former group is small, and the latter group is huge—clearly the vast majority of most of my audiences. There was always a little fear that if people thought I was trying to make them artists, all but a small minority would start to tune me out as if what I had to say did not apply to them. In their minds they were not artists and they were firmly committed to staying that way. Well again, I am trying to make you an artist and you definitely should not tune me out.
Looks, when I say artist, most people assume that means we are putting paint to paper or canvas or whatever. Some people take a broader view and include other artsy things like acting or making m music or writing. Even including all these disciplines, the group is still remarkably small. My definition of artist is substantially wider. In fact, I believe it includes virtually every human being on earth. You see, virtually everybody does something and I want you to be an artist in whatever you do. I think God does as well. You see an artist by definition is trying to create something. They take a different approach to their work in an effort to create something excellent and beautiful. They put in the work and do it over and over again until they do something that pleases them and blesses others. The good news is you can carry that attitude into whatever you do.
Have you ever been waited on by an artist? No I don’t mean a struggling actor waiting tables and waiting for their big break. I mean a server at a restaurant who makes every interaction a work of art. They make your satisfaction their main purpose. They meet your every need with a smile, anticipate your needs, and make the meal an experience. That’s an artist. So the question is, how can you be an artist in what you do. How can you glorify God and bring your best self to everything you do? How can you make your work a work of art? How can you bless people and bring them joy? How can you make every encounter positively memorable? I think this is what God desires from us.
Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Do your work like that and you’ll be seen as an artist, whether people realize it or not.
So, yes, I AM trying to make you an artist. Be a good one.
AMOKArts 