Life Changes You (Thank Goodness)

So, I watched a recently aired Def Leppard concert performed in Las Vegas titled "Viva Hysteria" on Saturday afternoon.  In my younger years, they were at the top of my favorite rock band list.  I have to say that it was a strange experience.  I remembered all the songs, could even sing the words to most of them, but that crazy euphoric feeling was completely missing.  I can't tell you how many times I saw this band in concert - and still have most of those ticket stubs packed away somewhere.  At one time, I had all of their cds and music videos (on VHS)!

I remember the long hair and swooning lyrics (some of them anyway).  I couldn't sit in my seat - I had to stand up and dance the night away each time I saw them live (or listened to a recording - even in the car).  Though they have aged (haven't we all?), their looks were still decent, though they have slowed their antics down a bit on stage.  I have to say that it just wasn't the same.  I don't know what I was expecting watching them again after many years of not.  At some point in my adult life, I stopped listening and hence, stopped collecting their greatest hits.  Somewhere along the line, I guess I grew up.

When I think back to my attraction, I was going through a difficult period.  I was in a marriage that was stripping my life out from under me.  The concert circuit was my escape.  The live music, the energy from the crowd, the time with my girl friends, it all helped me to escape my reality.  I guess at the time, I needed all of that in order to keep from floating away.  Now that I have a strong grasp of who I am, I can still appreciate that time in my life, even sing along if I hear a particular song or two, but I don't need the medicine they once provided.  I have changed,  I have grown.  My life is God centered now (instead of rocker) and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I do appreciate where I have been as I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today without my past, without the difficulties I've overcome, without making the choices I have made.  God is in charge - one day at a time.  May God continue to bless my life and all those lives that I've come in contact with during my walk on this earth.