John Albert Thomas Solo Piano

First Things First

Re-evaluating priorities and rethinking the purpose of my music

For the past 20+ years I made it my goal to make a living from my music, yet God hasn’t seen fit to bless it in that way. Instead He’s blessed me and my family through software and web development.

If I can find a web/software job, I’m taking it and staying there until God peels me away from it. I’d rather provide for my family everything I am capable of giving them than pursuing a dream that God doesn’t seem to agree with me on. The latter leaves my soul lean.

So I am letting go of the goal which has robbed me of my joy and consumed my mind to the exclusion of more important things. I will still compose and produce music, but only because I enjoy it. It will be a hobby to share, and not so much a business to run.

What does this mean to you, my friends?

The biggest change is in my mind.  The second biggest is allowing my fans to pay what they want for my downloads (including FREE), and to share it freely with their friends.  I will still sell sheet music, CDs, licenses for business use, piano tributes (portraits), etc.  Please stay tuned over the next week as I implement this change.

~

Better to forget the things we THINK will make us happy than to forget the things that ALREADY make us happy.

Another thought that has haunted me over the past few months is that I only have seven more years with my oldest daughter.  She’s had a father who is preoccupied mentally and emotionally with his dreams.  What she needs is a father who cares more for her than for himself.

Whatever we can dream up will last for a moment, but children are eternal.

Pursue them first, and then when they are gone, pursue your dreams.  If they are good dreams, they will rise again.

The world says pursue your dreams at any cost; but it is far better to enjoy what God has already given to you with contentment, joy and peace.

Speechless In Memphis

My dear friends,

Have you ever found yourself speechless? Since the release of my album, Zuzu’s Petals, I have. Here’s why.

The release of this album also marked the release of self-employment. I started a contract position developing websites for a Memphis website consulting firm two weeks ago.

Since then God has shown me a few things about myself.

Humility. I’ve discovered that I don’t know or understand much of what I thought I did. That tends to make someone speechless.

Purpose. I’ve discovered that God wants me to know Him more than He wants me to do stuff for Him. I’ve been more concerned with knowing about Him than knowing Him, and telling about Him than talking with Him. Read more thoughts on this here.

Priorities. I’ve discovered that my family wasn’t as important to me as I claimed they were. Becky put it this way, “I wish you were as passionate about your family as your are about your music.” What she’s saying is that my family needs a leader, not just a manager. They need vision and purpose, and I wasn’t giving it to them. Next time I’ll share with you what I’m doing to help fill that void.

I wouldn’t trade the last seven months of self-employment for anything. I’ve learned a lot about running a business and marketing, and I have invented products that reflect my own unique personality and passions. I gave 100% to everything, and I am pleased with all the seeds that I have planted, but now it’s time to re-prioritize. God first. Becky and the kids second. John and his music third.

As for the work done this past summer, it’s time to water and wait. As for the future, the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep project will be my snack right before bed.

Over the next six months I will share my progress, and what I am learning about God, my family and life. Let me know your thoughts. Maybe we can grow together.

Yours in Christ,
John Albert Thomas