You are an artist

I'm gearing up to attend an annual think tank with some of the most creative and passionate Worship Arts a people in the world. It's called recreate.  This is not your typical conference - in fact, that word really doesn't describe at all what this week is all about.  The founder, Randy Elrod, gave me one of my my first job interviews out of college. We reconnected a few years later when I was invited by a friend to attend this event.  Randy invites leaders from all walks of life - business, church, entertainment - to challenge us as creatives. There is a lot of dialogue and great discussion. A lot of it is like drinking from a fire hydrant! I started blogging as a result of this event and have made some amazing life-long friends because of it. I have also embraced over the last decade the fact that I am an artist.  I never thought of creating worship experiences every week as a form of art. Being an artist does not mean that I have to write the most amazing songs, paint the most amazing pictures, or anything like that. Being an artist is using my unique gifts and abilities to share myself with others.  I mention Seth Godin a lot in my blog because he challenges me to think. I loved this recent post...

"My definition of art contains three elements:

1. Art is made by a human being.
2. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
3. Art is a gift. You can sell the souvenir, the canvas, the recording... but the idea itself is free, and the generosity is a critical part of making art.

By my definition, most art has nothing to do with oil paint or marble. Art is what we're doing when we do our best work."

Are you doing your best work? Are you generous with your work? This is my challenge every week as I plan services. This is my challenge as a prepare music and rehearse for our Valentine's Concert. This is my challenge when I write songs. You are an artist according to Seth. I believe it as well. Embrace it with your whole heart and create what only you can. It will be amazing.