Opportunity of a Lifetime

So that’s what it’s like. That’s what I have to look forward to. Oh wow. It is 12:04 on a Saturday morning and I am wide awake. An hour and a half ago I got home from a place I didn’t even know I was going to go. A good friend of mine had two concert tickets to see one of my favorite performers. She had planned to see the show with her husband who opted out at the last minute. She called me just four hours before people started lining up and invited me to go with her. Because her husband gave his ticket away, I was presented with a wonderful opportunity to see one of my hero live on stage just ten minutes away from my house. Thrilled does not quite describe how I felt.

We arrived at the concert and were truly blessed. Just being there surrounded by so many others who adored this guy like I did was a gift in itself. I was exactly where I wanted to be- not because I asked and not because I deserved to be there. I was there simply because the gift was offered to me and I said yes. Everything was amazing. We worshipped God, we laughed, and we cried. When it was all over I could have easily gone home happy just for the experience that it was. Then we got in another line.

When I realized that I was about to meet one of my heroes I suddenly felt very nervous, out of place, and unattractive. In my wildest imagination I would have never expected to do this. I had the opportunity to tell him how much his music has touched me and what a great influence it is in my life. I thanked him for coming to my own little world and blessing me with his gift of songwriting. Then he shook my hand, posed in an awkward picture and signed my t-shirt. When I asked God to comfort me this week, I can honestly say that He outdid Himself this time.

As I sit here writing about this experience (because who could sleep after all that?) I cannot get past this one thing. I find it utterly astounding that this night seems to be a glimpse into my future. Some day when I least expect it I am going to be invited to the greatest concert in the history of the world. I am going to stand with others like me and worship my Creator surrounded by the most wonderful music. Then when I least expect it I am going to come face to face with Jesus, my ultimate hero face to face. I am going to have the chance to look him in the eye and tell him how much he means to me and thank him for the powerful influence that he has been in my life. I am going to thank him for coming to my home, a place in the middle of nowhere with less than desirable weather conditions. I now fully understand that there is so much to look forward to on a day when I least expect it. Not only will I look in the eyes of a man I admire, I will look into the face of God and tell him exactly what He means to me. I simply cannot wait.