Although I paid an exorbitant amount, when I bought two concert seats in the second row center section last September, I found myself thinking: “How often does our favorite band play in our hometown’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater?”
The words “Just buy a ticket” rang in my head.
We later learned that the concertgoers sitting directly in front of us, Shannon, her husband Paul, and their son Alex (front row, center), had the same feeling when they booked their tickets: “Just buy your tickets!”
But at the concert that night, it became clear that they had a much more legitimate reason for buying the best seats in the venue.
During the break between the opening act and the headliner, Shannon very graciously turned us around in our seats and apologized if her group’s dancing and noise disrupted our experience of the concert.
I assured her that everything was fine, that Shelly and I were there to have a good time as well.
Shannon then revealed that although it was the 60th time she and Paul would see the band, it would probably be the last as Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumour on Christmas Day and his health continues to deteriorate.
“Our only goal was for Paul to succeed tonight,” Shannon said through tears. “And we did it!”
Shannon then introduced me to Paul and asked if I could come pray with him. He gladly agreed and we prayed as if we weren’t sitting in front of thousands of fans. Tears were streaming down Paul’s cheeks and he was laughing and sad at the same time.
Tears also shed.
No words were spoken, but I knew in that moment that I was their pastor for the evening. The invitation didn’t have to be spoken; the Holy Spirit took care of it.
I then met their son, Alex, and we hit it off. For the next two hours, the family gave me full access to their sacred moment, including singing one of the band’s most spiritual songs with Paul and jamming arm-in-arm with Alex on a song about brotherly love.
I’ve seen my favorite band live 4 times now, but this concert was the most memorable. Ironically, I spent more than half the concert just praying there with Shannon, Paul and Alex. I saw more of them than the band, but I don’t regret a single minute of it.
Sometimes, gathering at church doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in a chapel with people you know. Sometimes it’s going to a rock concert with new friends you’ve just met.
My family of faith, the next time the Holy Spirit prompts you to, “Buy a ticket!” just buy a ticket. Amen.
