As I have been struggling with my lack of talent (s) and my general lack:
I discovered a quote I had copied years earlier.....
It still is applicable and gave me so much hope.
The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord
Fireside address BYU Feb. 1, 1976 by
Elder Boyd K. Packer.
The was the quote I found:
It is a mistake to assume that one can follow the ways of the world and then somehow, in a moment of intruded inspiration, compose a great anthem of the Restoration, or in a moment of singular inspiration paint the great painting. When it is done; it will be done by one who has yearned and tried and longed fervently to do it, not by one who has condescended to do it. It will take quite as much preparation and work as any masterpiece, and a different kind of inspiration.
There is a test you might apply if you are among the gifted. Ask yourself this question: When I am free to do what I really want to do, what will it be?
If you find that you are ashamed of our humble heritage in the arts, that ought to be something of a signal to you. Often artists are not free to create what they most desire because the market demands other things of them. But what about when you are free? Do you have a desire to produce what the Church needs? Or do you desire to convince the Church that it needs to change style so the world will feel comfortable with it? Although our artistic heritage as yet is relatively small, we are losing some of what we have—through neglect!
It is sad but true that, almost as a rule, our most gifted members are drawn to the world. They who are most capable to preserve our cultural heritage and to extend it, because of the enticements of the world, seek rather to replace it. That is so easy to do because for the most part they do not have that intent. They think that what they do is to improve it. Unfortunately many of them will live to learn that indeed, “Many men struggle to climb to reach the top of the ladder, only to find that it is leaning against the wrong wall.”
I mentioned earlier that the greatest hymns and anthems have not been composed, nor have the greatest illustrations been set down, nor the poems written, nor the paintings finished. When they are produced, who will produce them? Will it be the most talented and the most highly trained among us? I rather think it will not. They will be produced by those who are the most inspired among us. Inspiration can come to those whose talents are barely adequate, and their contribution will be felt for generations; and the Church and kingdom of God will move forward just a little more easily because they have been here.
Some of our most gifted people struggle to produce a work of art, hoping that it will be described by the world as masterpiece! monumental! epic! when in truth the simple, compelling theme of “I Am a Child of God” has moved and will move more souls to salvation than would such a work were they to succeed.
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Randy and I talked about this today when he came home. It gives me a new hope and a new purpose to my playing and practicing. Maybe I am drawn to the music I am because I feel something close to the spirit that draws me. I need more work---- on my inside, as well as my musicianship. I am praying for more inspiration instead of more talent. I get mixed up sometimes.
Also, as I have been called to the Primary. I discovered that because I am older, I had a tendency to be critical about the leadership. (I haven't even been set apart yet!!!!) That brought me up short, I am not in charge and don't want to be. Just to love and teach -- that is all I have to do. It is enough. Plenty enough.
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