All this week, I’m sharing excerpts from a book I published a few years ago. It’s called The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey. It’s a short, fun read for all kinds of artists, particularly for writers.
Here’s today’s excerpt from the chapter, “H is for Humility.”
In July 2011, Adam Bevell experienced something he’ll never forget.
He had traveled from his home in Arizona to see U2 in Nashville during their 360 tour. Many U2 fans travel a long way to see their favorite band, but Bevell is no ordinary fan. He is a blind guitarist, and he had come to Nashville in hopes of getting on stage to play with his hero Bono.
Bevell came prepared with a sign that read, “BLIND GUITAR PLAYER. BRING ME UP.” He held it up all through the concert as he stood in the crowded pit near the stage.
The last song U2 played on the 360 tour was “Moment of Surrender.” As they finished the song and began to walk offstage, Bono noticed the sign and asked Bevell what he wanted to play. He responded, “All I Want Is You” (he and his wife’s favorite U2 song) and Bono had him escorted onstage. A stagehand gave him Bono’s guitar and Bevell began strumming.
Bono began to sing and the rest of band joined in for the spontaneous performance. When the song was done, Bono hugged Bevell and even gave him his guitar!
At the end of a long and exhausting music set, in front of 45,000 adoring fans, one of the world’s most famous musicians shared the spotlight with a blind guitar player.
Whether you have 45,000 fans or just four or five, it’s a challenge to share the spotlight and stay humble. Here are several truths to help keep you grounded:
1. Your talent is on loan from God.
You are a steward of the talent God has given you. It’s not really yours in the first place. You can’t claim any credit for the good things that happen as a result of your talent. All the glory goes to God.
2. Your true friends love you for you who are, not what you do.
Those who matter most in your life don’t love you because of your talent or gifts. They love you unconditionally as a friend or family member.
3. Your self-worth shouldn’t come from your success.
It’s easy to be so emotionally tied to your art that you feel like a winner when things are going well, and a failure when things aren’t. Don’t base your self-worth on temporary success or failure.
These three truths can help you keep a healthy perspective on your creative gifts. They will also put you in the right frame of mind to relate to others.
Saint Augustine pointed out the true path to greatness when he said, “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
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I hope you enjoyed that short excerpt from The Artist’s Suitcase: 26 Essentials for the Creative Journey. You can grab the book by visiting https://kentsanders.net/suitcase.