I stumbled across this bit on the interwebs. This was a note that Mike Donehey from Tenth Avenue North sent to an aspiring musician. I thought it was a good slap to my ego and a good gut check, and wanted to share.
Bloom where you’re planted. That’s what I’d say. Don’t be looking for the “big time”. Look for the small time. That’s Jesus. Slave of all. Ministering to those who interrupted Him. Great things start small and then get smaller.
And don’t play for God. Learn to play “because of God”. Remember Acts 17:25,26. God doesn’t need you. Don’t sing because you think He needs it. Don’t play to be validated or accepted, play because you already are.
Let Him be your treasure.
Strive to be content playing in front of 5 people and take them to Christ, not yourself. But to do that, you have to be validated by Christ’s work alone. Not your songs, or CD sales, or #’s at a show.
And then, you’ll actually be able to take people somewhere beyond yourself, because that’s where you’re aiming for. [To Him]. Let God be your end, not the means to something else.
I think that’s good advice no matter what you do—
What about you? Will you bloom where you’re planted? How do you let God be your end and not your means to something else?
-Nathan
P.S. if you haven’t bought their latest album “The Light Meets The Dark“, don’t eat that “fancy” lunch today and go buy it.
