Evening of Blessings

            Last Saturday I was treated to an evening of continual blessings. It all began three years ago when I told my wonderful Dad and lovely Step-mom that my favorite song is “Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie”, by Don McClean. Since then they have been keeping their eye out for him to come out in concert. Well, about a month ago my Dad called and asked what my husband and I were doing on October 29^th. I told him we didn’t have any plans and that we were open that evening. He told me that Don McClean was in concert in Santa Barbara that night and that he had just bought tickets for the four of us to go.  Yippeee! Now Don McClean came out with song when I was about two years old, but it still has special meaning to me. It takes me back to simpler times. I cry every time I hear it. I make my kids listen to it in the car.

          So Saturday, October 29^th arrived and at about 4:00 PM we all hopped in the car and drove up to Santa Barbara for a special night. We walked around town a little bit and then headed to the restaurant for dinner; Carlitos Café and Cantina. Mexican, my favorite! We had a lovely time, wonderful family time, great conversation, yummy food and amazing weather. Even though it is the end of October, it was warm enough to be with out a sweater.

         After dinner we headed down the street to the Granada Theater. It was an older theater that had been remodeled beautifully. We took our seats, orchestra section, center stage. I was literally, directly in front of his microphone stand.  Don Mc Clean took the stage at exactly 8:00 PM. I kept waiting for the seats in the row ahead of us to be filled. They never were. We had a perfect view the entire night. Amazing!

        We were treated to many beautiful songs that evening. One song he had us sing along with him. It was “Keys to the Kingdom”. It went something like this- I got the keys to the Kingdom, the world won’t get me down. He sang about Peter, Paul, Silas and John the Baptist, during times of trouble, calling heaven asking for Jesus on the phone. It was a fun, lively song that everyone joined in on. Then the big moment came; “American Pie”. Of course tears came to my eyes as I got to hear my favorite song, live. After Don finished the song we all got up to give a standing ovation. As we stood there clapping he started some of the verses over again, this time with all of us singing along.  What a blessed evening.

      It all happened because two special people took the time to notice what I like, had been on the lookout for three years to get me tickets, and treated us to my favorite food.

That is what thoughtful looks like.

Philippians 2:4, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Lord, help me to be this thoughtful and mindful of others; making them feel special and loved. Amen