Thanks, Hunter!

“Anointing,” what a wonderful word. It’s something I have long prayed for, and deeply desire, so thank you for encouraging me, Don, and thank you too for your kind words about artistry, which is something too I have long desired.
Thank you for following my blog for so long.
I am not musical at all, though I love listening to worship music. Participating in many occasions of worship-filled beauty–how lovely!

People do need to value both gifting and hard work, because otherwise, we’d have a Communist system in which everyone is the same and nobody is motivated to create anything of lasting value. Still, the whole notion of better and worse implies a man-made system of determining worth that undermines our appreciation of the uniqueness of God-created individuals. I think it’s best to ask whether we’re developing our gifts as the truest expression of our purpose and identity. When I was growing up, learning to play an instrument, I admired recordings of the great concertos. For some people, it could be discouraging to compare themselves with great performers. But for me, after a certain point, it was inspiring. I started to practice more and more, once I began to realize that I could create something in my own way. Now, many years later, I realize that as a youth I was able to sense something of my destiny. Although I’m not a professional musician, I’m thankful for having been allowed to participate in many occasions of worship-filled beauty. God only knows what the lasting fruit will be for others, but for me, all the effort has been worthwhile.