AuburnChick's Adventures

You’ve probably seen one of the new McDonald’s commercials…

I kind of felt like that tonight, except my “me” time did not involve coffee because, as I might have mentioned a time or two, I have not grown up.

Anyhoo, you may be wondering why I am stuck on the commercial theme lately.

I have no idea.  But, since it’s my blog, let’s just roll with it.

Anyhoo…

So, this weekend, my local tourism council is hosting a Christian concert series.

For FREE.

My new friend (and co-worker), Jane, told me about it last week, and I have been psyched ever since.

Different artists (famous, by the way) are scheduled to appear…three nights in a row!

Oh

My

Gosh.

You guys…things like this do not happen in Podunk, USA.

In fact, when I called Chicky to tell her about it, she said, “WHAT?  Great.  Just when I leave, my second-favorite singer comes to town.  Thanks, Mama, for rubbing it in.”

heehee

I eagerly waited for Friday and tried, in vain, to talk Rooster into going to the first concert with me.

He politely, but firmly, declined.

The group that was set to perform was not quite up his alley.

Different strokes for different folks.

Because Jane did not have anyone to go with either, she and I exchanged numbers at school today…just in case.

After I got home from work, I spent another hour trying to bribe the boy into going with me.

No can do.  He was wearing his Xbox headset and looked he was settled in for the afternoon.

Great.

I had no idea what I was going to do.

AuburnChick doesn’t do things on her own, you see.  I’ve never been one to “need” “me-time.”  I have always preferred to be with my children, doing “mom” things.  In fact, as my children have gotten older and spent more time away from home, I have had to adjust.

It hasn’t been easy.

Plus, I am a homebody, which means I socialize from the comfort and safety of my own home.

Ugh.

I kept thinking about the group that was set to perform.

I wanted to go.

I did not want to go by myself.

I called Jane.

She didn’t answer.

I stalked her.

I looked up her number in the white pages.

She still did not answer.

“Jane, Jane, where are you?”

Finally, I grabbed my car keys, purse, and camera and told Rooster the defrosted chicken was in the refrigerator and to have fun cooking it.

Mama was headed out.

By herself.

This was his last chance to change his mind.

He didn’t.

As I drove, I considered this new adventure I was embarking on.

What in the world was I doing?

I mean…this might not seem like such a big deal for most people, but for me, it really is.

I mean…I turned 40 in March, Rooster turned 16 in May, Chicky graduated in June, I took my first-born (i.e. Chicky, for those who are new to my blog) to college in August, and I started a new job/career.

It’s been a rather eventful six months.

And now I was headed to the beach to attend a concert by myself.

I snapped a photo as I crossed the bridge…

Oh you guys…I got emotional as I drove.

What is wrong with me?

Most women go out for “Girl’s Night.”  Some even enjoy weekends out-of-town with their friends.  Not me.

I called Super Sis to talk about my new adventure.

She had just entered a restaurant with her family, so we did not get to talk.

You guys…there was nobody I could call.

Do you know what that feels like?

I’ll tell you.

It is a lonely feeling.

Yeah, I shed some tears.

I tried calling Jane again.

Nada.

Ok, God.  I think it’s pretty obvious that I am supposed to go on my own.

So I wiped my tears and continued to drive.

I was nervous, but God led me exactly where I needed to go, even after I thought I had taken a wrong turn.

Nice try, He seemed to be telling me.

Trust Me, He continued.

It didn’t take long to find a parking spot.  Taking a deep breath, I put on my Fake Confident Smile and briskly walked to the beach.

I looked around for someone I knew.

Nada.

Lovely.

I did not have a chair, nor did I have a blanket.

I was wearing blue jeans.

I found a seat in the middle, spoke a moment to a lady sitting in a chair…just to be sure she wasn’t expecting anyone…and sat down, deciding to ignore the sand that was sure to find its way into every crevice of my pants.

I snapped a few photos while I waited for the concert to begin…

Ahhh…this is why I love living close to the beach!

I turned and stared at the stage…the first one I’ve ever seen in real life (I’ve never been to a concert before)…

I was excited!!!

I did see one person I knew – a student and her family.  I ran over, gave her a hug, and reclaimed my seat.

And then it was time.

Who was tonight’s act?

Point of Grace!!!!!

Oh

My

Gosh!!!!

These ladies’ voices are melodious…what I imagine angels to sound like!!

They sang a couple of older songs.  Here’s a snippet of one (I recorded it on my camera…please forgive the quality)…

I took more photos…

In between songs, they shared tidbits about their lives.

What sweethearts!!!  These ladies spoke with the Southern drawl I grew up with in Alabama.  It was like going home to Mary’s cooking (the Mr., Coupon Queen, and Grand Pooba will understand this).

During one of the songs, a group of birds flew over in a V-formation…

I continued to take more pictures…

And the drummer, of course…

The girls took a break while the former singer of Avalon, who is now the group’s keyboard player (and has a name that I cannot remember) played a few songs.  You might recognize the bit I recorded…

This guy has an amazing voice, eh?

Meanwhile, I figured since I had my camera, I might as well capture other images from my evening…

Children playing…

Leaving behind empty chairs…

I watched the sun set…

The group sang a song about fathers and daughters, and I’ll admit that a few tears rolled down my face at the end.  I never got to experience the things they sang about because my parents divorced when I was very young, and my mom kept me from seeing my dad for most of my life. I guess I cried for the memories I never had a chance to make, and for the ones I did make during the short time we were together after our reconciliation.

Before I knew it, two hours had passed, and the girls were singing the last song for the night…

What an enjoyable evening, even if I did have to spend it with my own thoughts.

It was great to get to know a group of ladies who sing songs that have positive messages for the young women of today.  These ladies sing of faith during struggles…a theme I can identify with.

I am eager for Saturday’s concert, and I even have plans to attend with some friends from church.

But, if for some reason I wind up going by myself, I don’t think I will mind quite as much.

Tonight, God took me outside of myself and all of the emotions and insecurities that I carry deep inside of me.

He reminded me that though I feel alone, He is walking with me through this new phase of my life.

Though things change, He remains the same.

Maybe, instead of calling it “me” time, I should start calling it “our” time to refer to the time I spend with God…allowing Him to grow me and mature me into the person who will one day stand before Him.

Filed under: Christian | Tagged: Christianity, Point of Grace | 1 Comment »