Experience of a Lifetime

I went to see the New Kids on the Block in concert last night! There, I said it. That was going to be the punchline - the conclusion to this big long post I had in mind about living a full life and getting in touch with who I really am, and letting my guard down. But, I couldn't resist sharing the news, that yes! The NKOTB are back, baby.

The pictures don't do justice - but here they are. We actually got pretty good seats! We paid for the cheap seats up in the nosebleeds section - and since it wasn't sold out (heh, go figure?!?) they were giving away seats in the bottom section. We were 20 rows up from the floor, towards the back corner. And they had a small stage set center floor right in front of us for a couple of their songs. It rocked.

To be honest, I wanted to go to the concert for nostalgia sake. I wanted to feel like a kid again, and reminisce. I wasn't expecting to be blown away by their talent.

Go ahead, make fun of me! I'm ready for all your stabs... I've heard them all. For your information, YES - they can still sing... even after puberty hit they can still sing! It's been 20 years since their first hit, and they still got the moves and the voices and the ability to entertain like no other. I was a big fan in 6th-7th grade, and now - 20 years later, I'm still a fan! I don't care if that makes me dorky by golly... so go ahead - have your laughs!

Also? I went with a cool person. I invited her with hopes that I would be able to get to know her better and possibly learn from her. Dave Ramsey says that if you want to change yourself, it's smart to start by surrounding yourself with people you admire. He says that if you want to be wealthy, then seek out some rich folks and spend some time with them, and take notes. If you want to be thrifty, find someone who succeeds at couponing or bargain shopping, and go to the store with them. If you want to be in shape, find someone who is fit that could be a source of motivation and inspiration for you.

Me? Well, I want to be all those things. But, I was also in the mood for further developing my spiritual self. I want to be more confident in my faith. I want to experience life with a faithful lens, allowing each mountain I climb and each valley I saunter to be have meaning in my life. I sought out a person who is strong in her faith, a person who - despite the trials she has faced - finds comfort and joy daily. I want to be in touch with my true spirit, embracing the ME that God created - not the ME that avoids relationships and conviction. I see these virtues in the person who came to the concert with me.

And, it was a perfect evening. My friend and I enjoyed all the obvious thrills of the evening... eating out together at the Power and Light District, taking in the large venue, enjoying the people watching, dancing to the music. But, we also enjoyed eachother's company on a deeper level, connecting with each conversation we carried in a way that doesn't normally come so easily for me. We talked non-stop... about politics, faith, books, music, our parents, our children, our spouses, and everything in between. And all of our conversations tainted with an appreciation for our Maker.

It was a perfect evening, indeed.

I didn't come home with any concert tshirts or large buttons. I don't have their latest CD (yet!) and I didn't know every single one of the songs they performed. But, it was a night filled with appreciation on so many levels.

And? I'm pretty sure Jon Knight found me and was singing just to me all night long!