Tonight we attended the Killers' Concert and there were many lessons I learned:
1) I give because I can and because I want to.
On our walk from the Joseph Smith Building to the Vivint Arena we were skipping and a gentleman joined in while singing "We're off to see the Wizard." It was endearing. We asked him what he was up to and he proceeded to admit that he was homeless and living in a tent. He explained that he was actually in need of $28 for an application. I told him that I just so happened to have $30. I pulled out my wallet and gave him $30 plus $5 for good measure. He was positively delighted. I know some wondered why I would give to him and whether it was really legit, but honestly, I don't care what he does with the money for "Ask and ye shall receive." He is my brother and he is not as fortunate as I when it comes to currency. So I shared my surplus. And as we waited for the light to change, I noticed a beggar in a wheel chair. His sign said, "I have no story, but anything helps." The man would not lift his head up for our eyes to meet and I sensed his shame. It broke my heart to think he didn't know who he was and I pulled out $20 and gave it to him with a blessing. My only regret is that I did not grab his chin and lift his head and say "Chin up brother. You are a divine being with infinite possibilities and I see the God in you!" I hope he felt though those feelings I housed in my heart. The only thing shameful about that situation is the fact that he felt unworthy when he is not! And then on the other side of the cross walk was another veteran in a wheelchair with no legs and a sign begging for money. I know we are asked to not share with the beggars for we are warned that they only buy drugs with our money. I cannot see another's need and walk away and you know what? I don't care if they use the money I gave them for one last drink or something to soothe their souls. For me, the transaction isn't about the money. For me, it is about them knowing I see them and their need and that I care. I care enough to open up my wallet and say, "God bless your soul." The man has no damn legs. He's suffered enough. If he wants a drink, go get it. I hope that drink will be one in the series that leads to his last. And maybe, just as a possibly, he intends to get some food for alcohol and drugs don't preclude the need to eat. No one requires me to give an accounting for how I spend money gifted to me. How arrogant for us to require it of those in need.
2) Noise, I'm not a fan.
The concert was WAY too loud. We all had earplugs in and still it was deafening. I enjoy the silence. It's much more beautiful and inspiring to me.
3) Delay for the sake of delay is obnoxious.
The concert was supposed to start at 7. The Killers didn't come on stage until 9:30 pm. To keep us waiting for 2.5 hours was senseless and rude. Would have been courteous to let us know you had no intention of beginning till 9:30. Especially since we invested $500 in your brand.
4) I have finally learned not to chase sunk costs and it is it's own reward.
By the time the concert finally started, we were already ready for bed. As much as I really wanted to see the Killers, I really wanted to also get to bed at a decent time. I did not let the fact that I had spent money on the tickets make us sit there till it was over. We decided we would leave after a few songs and at 10:15 we up and left. I would have LOVED to have seen them perform "Are we human" but that was not in the cards. I did get to hear "Boyfriend that looked like a girlfriend" and "Spaceman" and a few others that were decent. Getting to bed a decent time was it's own reward. You can't put a price on a good night's rest.
5) I'm not really into rock.
I'd much rather have watched a good movie last night or read an epic book. Loud music doesn't jive with me. I prefer classical, jazz, and beautiful, soothing symphonies. Was fun to let my children experience some culture. I don't think any of them are fans of rock now either lol.
Life is full of lessons. I feel blessed to learn them. May I live a long life so I can continue to grow and develop into an epic human being.
1) I give because I can and because I want to.
On our walk from the Joseph Smith Building to the Vivint Arena we were skipping and a gentleman joined in while singing "We're off to see the Wizard." It was endearing. We asked him what he was up to and he proceeded to admit that he was homeless and living in a tent. He explained that he was actually in need of $28 for an application. I told him that I just so happened to have $30. I pulled out my wallet and gave him $30 plus $5 for good measure. He was positively delighted. I know some wondered why I would give to him and whether it was really legit, but honestly, I don't care what he does with the money for "Ask and ye shall receive." He is my brother and he is not as fortunate as I when it comes to currency. So I shared my surplus. And as we waited for the light to change, I noticed a beggar in a wheel chair. His sign said, "I have no story, but anything helps." The man would not lift his head up for our eyes to meet and I sensed his shame. It broke my heart to think he didn't know who he was and I pulled out $20 and gave it to him with a blessing. My only regret is that I did not grab his chin and lift his head and say "Chin up brother. You are a divine being with infinite possibilities and I see the God in you!" I hope he felt though those feelings I housed in my heart. The only thing shameful about that situation is the fact that he felt unworthy when he is not! And then on the other side of the cross walk was another veteran in a wheelchair with no legs and a sign begging for money. I know we are asked to not share with the beggars for we are warned that they only buy drugs with our money. I cannot see another's need and walk away and you know what? I don't care if they use the money I gave them for one last drink or something to soothe their souls. For me, the transaction isn't about the money. For me, it is about them knowing I see them and their need and that I care. I care enough to open up my wallet and say, "God bless your soul." The man has no damn legs. He's suffered enough. If he wants a drink, go get it. I hope that drink will be one in the series that leads to his last. And maybe, just as a possibly, he intends to get some food for alcohol and drugs don't preclude the need to eat. No one requires me to give an accounting for how I spend money gifted to me. How arrogant for us to require it of those in need.
2) Noise, I'm not a fan.
The concert was WAY too loud. We all had earplugs in and still it was deafening. I enjoy the silence. It's much more beautiful and inspiring to me.
3) Delay for the sake of delay is obnoxious.
The concert was supposed to start at 7. The Killers didn't come on stage until 9:30 pm. To keep us waiting for 2.5 hours was senseless and rude. Would have been courteous to let us know you had no intention of beginning till 9:30. Especially since we invested $500 in your brand.
4) I have finally learned not to chase sunk costs and it is it's own reward.
By the time the concert finally started, we were already ready for bed. As much as I really wanted to see the Killers, I really wanted to also get to bed at a decent time. I did not let the fact that I had spent money on the tickets make us sit there till it was over. We decided we would leave after a few songs and at 10:15 we up and left. I would have LOVED to have seen them perform "Are we human" but that was not in the cards. I did get to hear "Boyfriend that looked like a girlfriend" and "Spaceman" and a few others that were decent. Getting to bed a decent time was it's own reward. You can't put a price on a good night's rest.
5) I'm not really into rock.
I'd much rather have watched a good movie last night or read an epic book. Loud music doesn't jive with me. I prefer classical, jazz, and beautiful, soothing symphonies. Was fun to let my children experience some culture. I don't think any of them are fans of rock now either lol.
Life is full of lessons. I feel blessed to learn them. May I live a long life so I can continue to grow and develop into an epic human being.
Comments
Post a Comment