I saw a friend I haven't seen for awhile the other night. A friend who is an accomplished songwriter and songproducer. I had asked him once or twice before if I could just sit with him for awhile and learn a small fraction of what he knows, but it never seemed to work out because we are so busy (he works for the church in music ministry). I thought I was over my obsessive desire for a mentor, but I was wrong. We chatted for awhile, and asked each other about songs we are working on, etc. And I asked again if perhaps I could visit his office sometime to have him help me with some things. He said sure, but we probably both know I didn't really mean it, because I don't really have the time. But there is that small part of me that jumps at every temptation to take shortcuts and have someone else do the hard work for me. And things might be working out in the next couple months where I could make some time. So now I am confused
Do I continue to plug along alone at my nearly unbearably slow pace, and truly learn the craft
OR
Do I ask my friend for help and take the gamble: We might finally finish some of my songs BUT We might just realize we're not compatible and end up pushing farther away
I've messed up musical relationships before because I am just not in the same place as they are and it tends to cause frustration. And I know those times I wasn't really listening to God and what he wanted me to do with my writing, but rather I was just focusing on where I wanted to go with my writing. I just don't know this time if God is re-opening the door with this person because the timing is right or if the enemy is trying to tempt me to shortcut again, to test my patience. I am stuck in indecision and second-guessing.
When do you turn down an opportunity to work with real talent?

there is a lot of real talent here on csn - you would be surprised - published, nearly published, people that spend every weekend touring and sharing their music. there are many doors open imo

i am only a lyricist but i am willing to help with lyrics. i see a lot of growth in lyrics all the time in people.

do you have your music posted on Soundclick? i know it is not as nice as having someone sit beside you but until God clearly opens that door without any indecision, this door is clearly wide open.

blessings to you, dodes

Never pass up the opportunity to work with real talent. Working in partnership however, that's another story altogether. Firstly, take this advice. Your friend is not a friend just because you are friendly to each other, you are friends because you have established a relationship that has been tested by fire and proven to have not broken your love for each other as christian friends.

Having said that, the only way you are going to grow is if you surround yourself with people better then you. Fellowship with great talent and you will get inspiration to soar from the place you are now in. There is no reason for you to feel you're going to blow it unless you have some kind of complex that stops you from humbling yourself and getting blessed.

Go to work, and make it work.