All I Can Do

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given as a songwriter is to only concern myself with the things I can control.  And when it comes to the music business, that ain't much, folks.  I seem to be reminded of this quite frequently these days.  

I can't make publishers listen to my songs, pitch my songs, or demo my songs.  I can't make artists cut my songs.  I can't make people file paperwork so I can get paid.  I can't make marketing departments do their job so my product gets sold. The list goes on and on.  I have considered using certain tactics to make those things happen, but I'd kinda like to stay out of prison.  

Although the list of all the things I have no control over frustrates the heck out of me, here's what I can do: I can write.  I can sit my butt down every day and write songs.  And then I can write some more.  I can try and write a better song today than I did yesterday.  I can study, read, pray, listen, and do countless other things that will make me a better writer. And then I can write some more.  And when I've written something that I think is worthy of someone else hearing it, I can work my you-know-what off trying to get someone to listen.  I can't make them listen.  But I can try.  And then I can write some more.  

I've learned that at some point, you have to decide if you're going to be consumed by the frustration of the things you can't control, or be purposeful in how you approach what you can control.  Add to that, the realization that I am to trust in One who has all things in His control, and I'm left with the conviction that I am really just supposed to be a faithful steward of a gift.  And stewarding that gift well demands my all because it came from a Giver who deserves my all.