| Jeremiah 10:23 – “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” |
Sometimes, life can be funny and ironic. Today at 2 PM, if God is willing, Russell Scott and I will perform 21 folk/pop songs at a memory care facility. The crowd will be approximately 35 residents and some of their family members. Most will not remember we were there after we have finished. Joann will greet me by name. After our first concert there, I saw her the very next day for worship. “Joann, do you remember me coming yesterday with my guitar and singing?” Joann thought for a minute. “No?”
Jim and Kim. Jim comes to see to his wife, Kim. She cannot speak that I can discern. But he says the music really helps her. She enjoys it. Jim can communicate with her. Jim wants me to learn “Rhymes and Reasons” by John Denver. Not my favorite song, but I want to do it for Jim. So, why is this funny?
Well, in 1981, as a young man full of wild hair-brained dreams, I went to California, just like the Okies of the 1930s before me. I packed up my bags, and moved to Orange County, seeking fame and fortune with my guitar and a few songs I had written. I imagined I would perform before sold out arenas around the world, and be rich and famous.
Here is the funny part. I am so glad that never happened. Today, I won’t earn a nickel from our performance. But the room will be full of my friends. My wife is coming. Russell and I have been friends for more than 30 years. Toni is the activity director, and is very kind to me, as is May, the weekend coordinator. Margaret is a resident, who always tells me she is so glad I came. She gives me a kiss on the cheek. She then asks if my wife is here today. She doesn’t want any jealousy stirred up. Penny will be there, smiling, as will her daughter Debbie, and maybe her son Shane, both visit her all the time. Jeremy will be there, as will his wife who looks after him. Fred won’t be there. He died recently. His wife, Sue, looked in on him often. This is my fan base. I prefer this dream fulfilled to the one I went to California seeking many years ago. God knows best.
Father in heaven, thank You for giving us what we need, when we don’t have a clue, and thank You for withholding the bad things we think we want, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
-Jeff Beall
