Not Quite Good Enough

One of the things I enjoy doing the most is working with a group of creative people to achieve a common goal.  Sounds vague, I know.  But when you’re working on an artistic project with a group of imaginative people all aiming at an agreed upon target, it is one of the most rewarding things I know of.  Well, besides diving headlong into an extra-large Deluxe Uno Pizza from Marco’s that is (SHOUT OUT!).

I have found that artists, in any field and at any level of proficiency, have a natural inclination to doubt their work.  Many times we strive away, working on whatever creative project we love, all the while keeping that project hidden from the rest of the world because we’re not quite sure how well it stacks up against the work of others. 

WHY?

While there can be any number of reasons for the mindset, one that rings true for most artists I’ve known is the notion of not being quite good enough.  As some of you reading this can attest, a creative person is their own worst critic.  And the more skillful an artist becomes at his craft, the more critical of himself he becomes.  What can happen as a result is having many excellent ideas and projects that have been “worked to death” by artists attempting to get them “perfect” before sharing them.      

This past summer, the Writers’ Guild from Northlake Christian School and I completed work on a full length two act play entitled, “Freddy Finkle’s Fabulous Frankfurters.”  (More on that to come) This is the third play the guild has written for Northlake and likely the most challenging.  But one thing this group of students does better than any other creative group I’ve ever been a part of, is work together.  There are no egos, no hurt feelings because someone doesn’t like an idea, and hopefully no God gifted individuals who feel inadequate in sharing their talent. 

So, allow me to stand atop the mountain of unfinished projects, and unfulfilled artistic drives and cry out in my best Braveheart Impression, “FREEDOM!!!!!”  Creative people, STOP being ashamed of your work!  Stop being scared to use what God gave you and share that gift with the world!  Who cares if people don’t like it?  What matters is that YOU like it, and that your ultimate goal in everything you do is to bring honor and glory to the One who created you. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (ESV)