A Lesson from the Game

Last night, while Trey and I walked around in the cold rain, people watching and taking in all that surrounds an NBA All-Star game, we were bombarded by scalpers trying to sell us tickets. Even 5 minutes before tip-off, they were trying to get $450 for each ticket.  

My son’s little chin started quivering when I explained that daddy can’t pay $900 to watch a game. He wanted so badly to go in out of the rain and cold to watch in the stands with everyone else. 

With shivering hands, Trey would bend down and reach for drenched pieces of paper on the sidewalk – asking me each time if it was a ticket someone may have dropped that we could use.

Passing us, and entering the arena, were those leaving the Ritz-Carlton, clad in outfits that put $900 tickets on a child’s piggy bank level. “VIP” could be clearly seen hanging from a lanyard around their necks. 

I’m 37. I’ve been around these types of events for years. I have athlete friends and CEO friends. I understand that money and who you know can get you in – and I rejoice for those that have tickets or badges – they worked hard. But to a 7 year old, it was tough to comprehend. One day he will appreciate that I did not spend money we did not have.

We had a wonderful night together, nonetheless – dinner at Moe’s, a train ride, and hot chocolate. Just dad and son. Kent and Kent. In the middle of a busy career, we needed quality time.

Later, I snuggled him and talked about the fun we had and reminded him that because of Jesus, we are VIPs in God’s sight. That one day, because of Jesus’ grace and mercy, we will get to enter Heaven’s gates and see Jesus face to face. We don’t deserve it; we can’t earn it or afford it – but God loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and when we repent of our sins and believe on Him alone for salvation, we become joint heirs with Him. We now have an incorruptible inheritance! All-Star players will grow old, trophies and legacies will fade, but Heaven is eternal.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing an event to teach such an important reminder.

Have you accepted Jesus? Are your sins forgiven? There is room at the cross for you! Here’s the best part – No fancy suits, passes, or money needed. Jesus loves you, and He gave His life for you. Won’t you accept His gift of salvation today?

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Shhhhhhh! It’s our secret!

Shhhhhhh! It's our secret!

Today is my son’s 3rd birthday. Wow… time does fly by! While we don’t really have the time and money to make a big deal out of his day, we still wanted to make it special for him. I was scheduled to open the store at 5:00am, and finish at 2:30pm. My wife brought Trey and his little 5-month-old sister, Lauren, over to Chick-fil-A around 2:00pm to see me. Trey came over and gave me a hug and I wished him a Happy Birthday.

After my shift, I hurried out to our storage unit and with the help of my team member, Evan, changed into the cow costume. It was my first time. It was hot. Really hot. For those who are the cow at long events, I wish I could pay you $100/hr. 🙂

Back to the story… After changing into the cow costume, I walked into the store and approached Trey and about 7 other kids who were playing in the playground. I instantly scared one little girl, but the majority of the kids and parents LOVED seeing the Chick-fil-A cow. It was Trey’s first time seeing the cow. How ironic, as it was my first time BEING the cow. He was delighted, and asked the cow to follow him around the restaurant.

After spending a few minutes with the kids and posing for some pictures, I went back outside and turned into Daddy with the white shirt and tie again. I found Trey inside and Mommy asked Trey who he had just seen. He told me all about getting to meet the Chick-fil-A cow. It was so fun!! Maybe when he turns 18, we will have a father/son talk and I will explain to him that it was really Daddy inside the cow suit… but for now, it’s our secret. Shhhhhhhh!!

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