Born Again Weekend

Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!

Well Father, it was certainly a hectic weekend here!  Friday night we decided to be a little lazy, ordered a pizza and then watched the new Narnia movie together (I love family movie night!).  Saturday however, was nothing resembling quiet and restful.  Shannon and Aidan headed off to an ice skating production themed around Peter Pan’s Neverland adventures, and Jonathan and I hit the road to Williamsport, Maryland for his first concert…

And what an experience it was Father.

Jonathan’s favorite group for quite some time now has been the Newsboys.  Well, when I learned that they were starting a new tour and the first stop was within driving distance (a long drive mind you), I snapped up the opportunity to get tickets to the event.  As this was also to be his first concert, I opted for the VIP Passes as well to give him a more personal experience.

He was so excited Father…  He anxiously counted down the days, waiting for it to come.

The day of the concert finally rolled around so we loaded up the Yukon with everything we might need (travelling music cds, camera, junk food, etc.) and headed out.  It was a three hour drive, about 167 miles each way but the time seemed to pass quickly.  We arrived nicely ahead of time, and after a short wait in the line for the VIP Entrance we were taken inside, given our gift bags containing a CD and  poster, and brought upstairs to the pre-show “meet the band” area.

After another short wait, the Newsboys came out to greet the group.  They started by answering a few questions from the crowd, and telling us about themselves a little more.  During this Q&A session, a comment made by another of the attendees really caught me, and has stuck in my head.  It was from a gentleman there with his two teenage sons, and he said to the band (paraphrasing):

“First off guys, I just want to thank you for what you’re doing.  I’m raising boys and it’s tough today, but with the great music and even better message you’re putting out, it really helps.”

Amen Sir.  Well stated.

Anyways, following the questions from the audience they played a quick acoustic version of “In the Light” for us.  It was wonderful in that intimate setting, and Jonathan loved every minute of it.  We then were awarded the chance to meet them personally, and to get a signature or two.  Jonathan got his poster signed by each band member, and I even managed to get a picture of him with Michael Tait and Jeff Frankenstein.  Jonathan was glowing… It was so wonderful to see him that excited Father.

We then headed over to the concert hall, where they had a set of reserved seating put aside for us.  When everyone was in and seated, the concert opened up with a couple numbers performed by Carlos Whittaker.  He did a great job of getting the crowd “juiced up” and had everyone on their feet singing Your Praises in no time.

Now Lord, this is the first worship concert I’d been to so I think I was probably as excited as Jonathan was.  There’s something about the positive energy of 2000 God-Loving Believers on their feet, hands raised to Heaven singing to Your Glory together… The Holy Spirit was in abundance in that room for sure Father!

Carlos was followed up by performances by Disciple, and then Kutless; both of which were absolutely excellent and revved the “congregation” up even further.  Although the volume was a lot louder than Jonathan had expected, as soon as they started playing songs he knew, he was on his feet as well singing right along… I was so proud of him Lord.  🙂

Following Kutless they had a short intermission while the stage was set up for the Newsboys to play, and a speaker who talked about Compassion Ministries and the impoverished children they represent.

Then the Newsboys took the stage.

They put on an amazing show Father… So much energy… So much spirit… So much praising Your Glory!

The best moment for me came when they played Jonathan’s favorite Newsboys song; “He Reigns”.  Everyone was on their feet, swaying back and forth with hands raised towards Heaven singing at the top of their lungs…

And yet, in the midst of all the glorious sounds echoing through the hall all I could hear was the 11-year-old boy next to me with a huge smile on his face and hands in the air, joyously singing Your Praises.

It was a truly wondrous evening Lord.  🙂

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Blessing me with these moments.  Seeing my boys finding joy, excitement and wonder in You does wonderful things for my heart.  Please keep them in Your Embrace, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit so they can grow into the men You Desire them to be.  Amen.

~Phather Phil