It's not so very odd, actually. I think it would be more odd to praise the thousands of hours of practice - practice is something you do, something you accomplish with ability that is already there. Practice hones your ability and makes it better and better, yes, but it doesn't give you the ability you have - the man is an artist because he has a mind to conceive of beauty, an eye to see where things should go on the page, and a hand to make it happen. He did reference his lifetime of practice, but he doesn't stop at that. He goes beyond to the source of his ability, which is God. So it's not so very odd at all, I'd say. :)
So alternatively you may blame God for things you aren't talented at? If people aren't good at something is it because they didn't pray enough? Is it a Jobian test that some are granted these abilities/talents and not others?
And to make you jealous of my artistic abilities, http://i.imgur.com/rTRtER0.jpg?1
No, it's not a question of blame, because again, each person is equipped with ability that, were he to utilize it and practice at it, would develop into a great skill. I think we're content to complain about what we can't do rather than trying to learn and practice at something we *can* do. It's easier to cast blame rather than put in the work and effort. I don't think it's a Jobian test - but that's what we make it when we look at what others can do and compare ourselves to them in such a way. I'm guilty of this.
I'm learning piano, and sometimes I'll compare myself to some fantastic pianists, and think, Wow, they have some mega talent. Then I go and feel sorry for myself, instead of thinking of all the many, many hours they put in to develop their skill until it became natural. A lot of these pianists glorify God for their ability without negating their effort and practice. They take responsibility for what they've been given without cutting out the Giver. I forget sometimes that I should be content to develop my own ability as far as it will go. I may not ever be as proficient as some of these pianists, but my talent is mine while their talent is theirs.
I'll stop there instead of rambling on and on ad nauseam. I like your picture. :)
Talented artist, odd that he praises God for his abilities and not the thousands of hours of practice.
ReplyDeleteBetter video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYSNkAdgoNs
It's not so very odd, actually. I think it would be more odd to praise the thousands of hours of practice - practice is something you do, something you accomplish with ability that is already there. Practice hones your ability and makes it better and better, yes, but it doesn't give you the ability you have - the man is an artist because he has a mind to conceive of beauty, an eye to see where things should go on the page, and a hand to make it happen. He did reference his lifetime of practice, but he doesn't stop at that. He goes beyond to the source of his ability, which is God. So it's not so very odd at all, I'd say. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, neon colours...
It's better when you're high.
ReplyDeleteSo alternatively you may blame God for things you aren't talented at? If people aren't good at something is it because they didn't pray enough? Is it a Jobian test that some are granted these abilities/talents and not others?
And to make you jealous of my artistic abilities,
http://i.imgur.com/rTRtER0.jpg?1
No, it's not a question of blame, because again, each person is equipped with ability that, were he to utilize it and practice at it, would develop into a great skill. I think we're content to complain about what we can't do rather than trying to learn and practice at something we *can* do. It's easier to cast blame rather than put in the work and effort. I don't think it's a Jobian test - but that's what we make it when we look at what others can do and compare ourselves to them in such a way. I'm guilty of this.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning piano, and sometimes I'll compare myself to some fantastic pianists, and think, Wow, they have some mega talent. Then I go and feel sorry for myself, instead of thinking of all the many, many hours they put in to develop their skill until it became natural. A lot of these pianists glorify God for their ability without negating their effort and practice. They take responsibility for what they've been given without cutting out the Giver. I forget sometimes that I should be content to develop my own ability as far as it will go. I may not ever be as proficient as some of these pianists, but my talent is mine while their talent is theirs.
I'll stop there instead of rambling on and on ad nauseam. I like your picture. :)