Hello Everybody!
One of the biggest compliments I can ever receive sounds something like
this "My son (or daughter) loves you! As a matter of fact, they are
taking piano lessons because they want to be able to play like you
someday!" Then I will normally look down at the cute little "Southern
Gospel Pianist-To-Be" and say "WOW! well that's great! Do you like
playing the piano?"
Now, typically, kids are pretty shy towards me. I don't know why? I
think it can be a variety of reasons…i.e-they've only seen me on
television and not in person and that is kind of awkward when they
realize I don't live in their television! Or it could be the fact that
I am 6'5" and they are barely 3 feet tall, and that can be intimidating
as well…or it could just be good old fashioned shyness!
Whatever the reason, I'd say 98% of the time they avoid eye
contact, look down at the ground and reply "Yes sir, I like the piano".
Then I try to squat down and make eye contact with them, pat them on
the head and say "Keep practicing! I'll need someone to replace me
someday!"
They'll smile and walk away. Most of the time.
Now, as I just mentioned, 98% of kids are like this. Its the other 2%
where this story really takes off. Those dangerous 2-pecenters! You
NEVER know what they will say! EVER! But, I have learned this…it is generally something that no one is prepared for!!
One time a family came to the table and told me their little boy was
taking piano lessons. When I asked him if he liked playing the piano he
replied "Not really, playing the piano is for girls!" I just stood
there. Shocked. And when his Dad tried to correct him he replied "Dad!
That's what you said when I told you I wanted to learn how to play!"
Talk about an AWKWARD MOMENT! I've never seen parents try to fake a
smile like those two did that day.
Then there was the time I was chatting with a sweet couple from
Georgia. They had four children. Three girls and one little boy. I was
getting my picture taken with them. They were so cute and polite…until
the oldest little girl said "My Mom thinks you're funny, but my Daddy
says you're a smart aleck!" Again, AWKWARD! I just said "Is that right?
SAY CHEESE!" To this very day that's the fastest photo I have ever had
taken of me!
Most recently, I was in concert in Indiana. Great service. Everything
went well until a little boy pointed to one of my cds and said "We have
that one! We listen to it all of the time!" I said "Well, thanks so
much! You must really like it!" He said "No, we don't really like it,
but our cd player is broke in our van and we can't get it out!" :)
It's funny. As a parent myself, I have spent the last 13 years, along
with my wife, trying to teach our kids that lying is wrong. "Always
tell the truth!" we say. "The truth will set you free!" Well, let me
tell you this....there are 2% of Southern Gospel kids that are holding
themselves accountable to those rules! I've gotta go…I need to get my
feelings repaired!
Until Next Month,
See ya at the table!
