STRONG

By Kyle Dinwiddie, PRC Blogger

Life is amazing. Like a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs, fears and thrills. Some parts are expected, many are not; however, all in all life is an adventure.

Recently my dad and I went to the Stronger Men’s Conference in Springfield. We have gone to this conference for the past four years and look forward to going every year. In fact this year, my dad even bought himself a pair of ‘hipster’ jeans just for the conference…. but more about that later. This year’s conference was at the John Q Hammons arena. And it was packed with men from top to bottom. We could only see stairs that led to the main floor of the arena. My dad was really hoping for a seat on the floor in front of the stage, so we found an elevator with the hopes of finding a way down. But once we got there we were stopped by a lady that told us that the handicapped section was on level 4 and we were not allowed on this lower level. We explained about trying to get seats on the floor level, but she sent us back up.

Frustrated we went to the main level. After a bit the lady from before popped out of nowhere and told us that if we would go back down to the floor level, they were seating handicapped people thirty minutes before the doors open. As soon as she told us that we heard huge shouts of joy erupted. As the doors were opened, thousands of men poured into the entrances like a tidal wave.

I thought, “Great, thanks!”

And like flashes of lightening we rushed towards the elevator to get to the floor level again. But by the time we got to the floor, every seat had been taken or was reserved. We ended up sitting behind the sound booth just a few steps up off the floor level. As the night went on, my dad’s new hipster jeans began to stretch out. First they just sagged a bit, but by the end of the night really began to fall. With one hand he pushed me, but with his other he had to clutch his pants.

The song “Pants on the Ground” came to mind. “Pants on the Ground, Pants on the Ground, Looking’ like a fool, with your pants on the Ground…” became reality a couple times when my dad let go of his pants to use both hands.

After the session Friday night, we went out for a late supper, then back to our hotel. The conference started the next morning really early. But instead of sleeping, we ended up spending the night in the emergency room. You won’t believe this, but my dad got a kidney stone.

We got back to the hotel about an hour before the Saturday session was to begin. And decided not to sleep but instead head back to the conference. This time we decided not to try to find a floor seat. We just went up to the handicapped section on level 4. And, guess what? They turned out to be perfect seats! My dad and I had several things that we did not plan, but I had a good time anyway. I will not forget how awesome it was to worship with seven thousand Christian men, the kind stranger that walked 4 blocks with us in the pouring down rain to cover us with his umbrella, making new friends, spending time with my dad, and of course how could I forget my dad’s pants. So when life does not go like you think, don’t be sad. Look for the good and always focus on God. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

And oh, of course, don’t forget to bring your belt. I will see you next time on the funny side of life.