I went to a Bob Dylan concert the other night with some friends. I really know nothing about Dylan, but outdoor concerts are always fun, as is people watching. I really didn’t know what to expect at a Dylan concert. I figured there would be a wide genre of people, tho more of the older set than my age; plus a fair share of hippies most likely. I figured the instrumental aspect of the music would be good, the air might be saturated w smells I’d prefer not to waft my way, and that people watching would be at its peak. I was right on all levels.
There was far more for the eye to behold than I could have even hoped for. One lady to the left of us never stopped hula-hooping. It even lit up when it got dark out. There were definitely plenty of people dancing, spinning and swaying to the music. I enjoyed the fashion of a rainbow-colored feather boa in the hair of one girl my age. It was quite an eclectic group that night.
And what I learned from all this???
People sure have an aspect of freedom many of us are trying to obtain when they just be who they are. Sometimes we try to be what people want us to be; or are ashamed and embarrassed of who we are; or we try to make ourselves fit into some mold because we deem that “cooler” and more acceptable; or we are caught up in people’s opinions. The hula hoop lady sure didn’t seem to care what I thought of her hula-hooping, nor did the spinning girls behind us seem to care how silly they looked, or that people might be laughing at them. And the rainbow-colored feather boa girl sure walked around confidently with that thing protruding from her head. It was a good reminder to me: be who God has made you to be; be confident in who you are; know that you are uniquely and wonderfully made. Wouldn’t we all benefit from embracing these truths?
My second lesson was from a 25-year old teacher. She was one of the “spinners” behind me. I got dared to dance with her and her friend, so I did. During that short time span, they asked me my name and where I was from; taught me 4 different hand shakes; described their various dogs; and invited me to a post-concert game and movie night. Upon returning to my friends, this teacher followed me over, met my group of friends, showed them the handshakes, then talked with us for 3/4 of the concert! Which included at least 4 more invitations to the post-concert game and movie night. Now she might have been a bit tipsy, but she was genuine about not wanting us to drive a “long distance” home after a late night concert. She sincerely wanted her new friends to see her house, meet her dogs and partake in pancakes w strawberries and whip cream the next morning. Wouldn’t we all benefit from being a little more friendly to the people we meet? (Ok, maybe not THAT friendly, but just sayin!)
My last lesson was gleaned in the parking lot. Oh the joys of leaving a concert at the same time as hundreds of others. We got cut off several times; were glared at; beeped at; almost hit; and definitely kept out of the main line stream of cars by many other (not so friendly!) drivers. It just reminded me that a kind gesture, like letting someone squeeze in front of you, is a nice thing to do. Wouldn’t we all benefit from being more pleasant to strangers?
I can’t quite say I’m a fan of Bob Dylan’s raspy voice, but I sure did enjoy his concert nonetheless! I guess you really can learn wherever you find yourself, even at a Bob Dylan concert.