Life Lessons from a Kids Concert

We were at a Yo Gabba Gabba concert at the Luna Park one chilly saturday morning having gotten three tickets during the presale some time in April. There were two shows then, at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. We thought the afternoon show was way too late so we opted for the morning show. I looked for VIP tickets so we can go to a meet and greet with the cast but it was full so the next best thing was to go for premium tickets, or so I thought. After a few hours, it was announced that a 1:30 pm show was opened and by then I was kicking myself for settling for the next best thing. It did not help that we arrived at the venue when every one was seated, only to find out that our assigned seat was on the third row from the back.

Big Top brimming to capacity

By the time DJ Lance started leading the gabba crew to sing and dance, my two toddlers would rather sit and watch instead of sing and dance along like they usually do at home. They sang some popular tunes, some of which have helped us explain ideas and concepts to our young minds.

Two of my favourites were the following:

All my friends are different - the lyrics of this song very well echoed the message of a lesson our toddlers had - that we may all be different, but we are all special, and God loves us very much. I love that it is teaching children to be tolerant and accepting, even in the midst of obvious differences.

Get your sillies out - it was my first time to hear this song but it became an instant favourite. From the first few  lyrics that says " the sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out, we gonna have to jump shake and shimmy them out so come on let's all do it together", I couldn't help but love the song. The image that came to mind was that of a person going through a tough time, with  issues from both inside and outside trying to discourage and dishearten the weary soul. In an effort to get out and get rid of the tough situation, it is very easy to isolate oneself and stay away  from God, thinking that it is best to go to Him when things are sorted out or even question His relevance. The other thing is to try and do things on your own when you are supposed to "jump, shake and shimmy" them out not by yourself but with others.

The next time Yo Gabba Gabba comes down under, you can be sure that we will not settle for the next best thing. In life it is very easy to settle for the next best thing just so you get tickets into an "event". But God wants us to experience the best, not just sit and watch, but get front seat tickets and enjoy the ride with Him. The tricky bit is learning to wait on Him and hear His voice before we plunge in. The question is, are we willing to pay the price to get the full experience?

Maybe by next time our toddlers will not be shy but will dance and sing their hearts out, just like the many mums and dads who came as chaperones and ended up having the best time at the concert.