ANXIOUSLY AWAITING OZZIE OSBORNE

The heavy metal band Korn banged on their instruments, rasping out lyrics I couldn’t understand. I didn’t care. I was anxiously awaiting Ozzie Osborne—the headliner.

This was 9 years ago. Screaming, spilled beer and the whiffs of marijuana smoke framed the atmosphere. Even though I was over 40, this seemed normal.

The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to destruction.”

My life seemed right. It was hip to be over 40 going to a rock concert. My construction business was flourishing. A disciplined exercise routine kept me in top physical shape. I had a beautiful wife. And I was well thought of in the community.

The truth. I was tired of rock concerts. Work was consuming my life. My exercise program was an egotistical, often pleasureless pursuit. My marriage was a disaster. And if my 15 year secret addition ever became public . . . an instant pile-of-rubble image crash.

Destruction was catching me in the race of life.

At work a few months later, a fellow non-believer approached me, “Hey, check this out.” A Christian-rock radio station? I didn’t know such a thing existed—I got hooked.

Lyrics like, “People say I’m strange; does that make me a stranger? My best friend was born in a manager,” gripped my soul. More importantly the radio preachers’ messages injected life into my dieing existence.

It could have been just another trip to the lumber yard.

On the radio that day, Pastor Greg Laurie said, “Are you tired of the life your living? Isn’t it time you invited Jesus Christ into your life?” Right there in my truck, I prayed to Jesus and committed my life to following Him.

Now, I’m anxiously awaiting Jesus.