Oops! I skipped Chapt 2

I'll back up just a little bit and make some comments on Chapter 2 of Rory Noland's great book, "Thriving as an Artist in the Church."

5 Relational Skills Every Artist Needs for the "Real World"

Sometimes as artists we forget that we are not: islands unto ourselves, divas, God's gift to music/singing/dance, on people's minds as much as we are on our own minds.  It's important that we "function" in the real world and not outside of it.

1. Initiate Meaningful Conversations
   
2. Listen Attentively
   
3. Bless Others Verbally
   
4. Listen to How You're Coming Across
   
5. Follow Through on Your Basic Adult Responsibilities

Do I hear an "Ouch!" out there?!

Noland breaks that last one down into 4 categories... I know, this is brutal:

• Be on time
  
• Write it down
  
• Do your chores
  
• Mind your money
  

If you think about it, the above lists are directly related to the reasons most people have a negative view of artistic people.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  We can be different.  A creative bent, a melancholy temperament, the willingness to delve into deep emotions... those things that make us the way we are... don't have to make us irresponsible or incompatible with the rest of the functioning world.  As a matter of fact, our efforts and talents just might have more of an impact with that world if we also have credibility.

Now be sure to read the previous post for Chapter 3...