I love piano music. It starts my heels clacking faster than a banjo or a guitar any day. So when the announcement came that Elton John was coming to Charleston’s Civic Center, my husband Alan surprised me with tickets. Finally, I’d get to hear Britain’s piano man!
The auditorium was packed and Elton was already playing when we sat down. Sequins splattered his electric blue suit and he wore histrademarkred glasses. I spotted his very sensible black patent lace ups with binoculars.
About the third number, he sang “Levon.” I love this song and my heartwarmed as his piano dancedto the words. “Levon! Levon likes his money. Makes a lot they say.” Passion oozed from Elton, floodingthebaby grandivories. Together they made beautiful music. “Oh I’ve finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick ro-o-aad.” His foot kickedback and forthtoward the audience as he sang.What a performer! On and on, the hits never stopped.
In fact, Elton’s strong, beautiful voice, and the way he romanced the piano, brought tears to my eyes. How can one person have so much talent, a gift given to him by the Giver of all things? So, I asked: “God why did you give so much talent to Elton John?”
Prayer comes easily for me, and gratefully I see God inmany things. I certainly saw God in the talent Elton displayed, and soI began to pray for him.
Do you ever do things like that withperfectly goodintentions? And then . . .
Okay. Igot miserly.
“Lord,” I said, “Why didn’t you give that talent to someone whoadores you and would displaytheirlove? Like me, Lord. Why didn’t you give some of that talent to me?” As if Almighty God could only bequeath enormous talent to one of us.
Suddenly,a thought came into my mind’s eye–it was an image of a crossgliding across the massive screen behind Elton. I shook it off, but, curiously,that strongimage of the moving cross stayed in my head. It would not go away.
BeforeElton’s next song, he reminisced about war and the First World War in particular,telling us about all the lives thatwere lost. It was touching. He was so grateful for freedom, he’d written a tribute to the military he would now play for us.
Never expected this from Elton John.
Whenthe music startedI didn’t recognize the song, but on the huge screen behind him dozens of crosses appeared! The crosses from military cemeteries.
They flashed on and on . . .
Asingle crossflickered across the screen.
More crosses.
Are you kidding me, Lord? Rock and roll music is blaring,as crosses light up the auditorium!
Through much of the song,they lit up ceilings and walls and faces . . . and, I hoped,hearts.
I still don’t know what the song was because I really didn’t hear it. I had been dancing, clapping, cheering, throughout the entire concert, but now I sat mute, unable to speak at the sight before me. A sight I had imagined a few minutes beforecome alive to the sounds of secular music.
Tears welled in my eyes as I realized that God always reveals Himself when I invite Him in. “Thank you for being here, Lord. And thank you for showing me that you are with me wherever I am.”
The concert went on and I got back into the groove. But, every once in a while I’d raise my hand to heaven and give thanks to the Giver of all gifts. Tonight he’d given me the opportunity to see another of His children, a rockerwhosetalent God bestowed andwhose music I loved. And whom God canuse, just as surely asHe can use me.
Thank you Karyn. I would love to see Elton John but thru your beautiful description of your fun evening. I feel like I saw him also. Keep up you wonderful writing. God has given you a talent where you can reach many thru your words. God bless you!
Elton was fabulous, Sharon! But, the concert couldn’t compare with the feeling that came over me when I knew God was beside me. Thank you so much for your kind words!! Means so much to me!
First – I am so jealous that you got see Sir Elton and I didn’t! Oh the injustice of it all!! But seriously, only you could have been in prayer for Elton during a rock concert and I am so glad that you were spiritually prepared when the song with all the crosses came on. My dear friend, God is so present in all that you and Alan do, and in your writing, which is in it’s own way, Holy. Lovely post!
LOL! I actually had that thought, Ingrid, that I was probably the only one praying. Actually, I wasn’t praying, I was just talking to God! Thank you for the sweet comments!! As to the concert, it’s probably the only concert I have seen that you haven’t! :)
Another great one Karyn. Have never seen Elton John but would be a dream come true should I ever get that lucky. You know the “ole bucket list?” My favorite ..”Candle In The Wind”, a tear jerker for me. That memory is forever lasting…keep writing, so enjoy these. Blessings dear one.
I love Candle in the Wind, too, Sue, and, as you know, he was fabulous! If he comes back, you should come. Honestly, it’s one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Thank you for always writing, sweet girl. xox
Ahhhhhh…..dear Karyn, you prayed why didn’t God give you the talent that he’d given Elton John. He did…..just in another format. Beautiful words and touching story. xoxo
Dee, somehow I missed your precious statement. Thank you, sweet cuz. Love you for being so prejudiced toward me! :)
Karyn, Dee got it right. You have a whole format all your own.
You gals are so sweet to say that, Ingrid. Honestly, if my writing stands out, it is the Lord at work! I’m so grateful that He has allowed me to do this! xo
Your gift is just as great, Karyn! And you are blessed to have found it!
I am still looking for my gift.
Well, I’m no Elton, but I feel so blessed when I see these little God winks! Don’t you think, Maggie, sometimes our gift is as simple as helping with grandchildren or taking time to talk to someone who is lonely? I feel sure you are completing your gift, and then some!! It’s not always about putting yourself out there. In fact, I think the greatest rewards will be to those who do the jobs that don’t get accolades, but helped a wealth of people to overcome! Thanks for responding!! xo