No Ketchup?

There's a moral to this story. I promise. If you scroll directly to the bottom-you'll miss it. I lived it and almost did.

This past fourth of July we purchased tickets to go see the Americafest fireworks spectacular at the Rose Bowl. Making things easier for my large family, we thought it best to purchase designated seats versus general seating as it is more challenging for the seven of us to fit in one row of seats. (We also use the same strategy when we buy tickets for the movie theater, especially during new releases.)

If you've been to a Rose Bowl event, you already know how challenging it can be to get inside and outside of the venue once the event is finished.

Due to my large family, I've also found it easier on myself to pay an extra $10-$15 for closer, VIP parking. This has nothing to do with my finances. This has everything to do with the additional toll of a long walk to and from the car with seven people, including a 5-year-old boy. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. Even then, VIP parking was still a journey and I was carrying the baby of the family for the majority of the walk.

Once inside the stadium, you are bombarded by the sights, sounds, and smells.

"Daddy! Popcorn!"
"Daddy! Peanuts!"
"Daddy! Pretzels!"
"Daddy! Soda!"
"Daddy! Hot dogs!"
"Daddy! Lemonade!"

You get the picture.

Within minutes, I shelled out over $100 just to get the kids the bare minimum: a drink & a meal (hot dog, pizza, or chicken strips), but the minimum wasn't enough for my 5-year-old Maverick. He wanted popcorn and ice cream. Being the sucker that I am, I gave into the popcorn. All our children carried their meals excited one, Maverick. I carried his meal while he enjoyed his popcorn. His 4 siblings are very understanding. I make sure Maverick knows he is obligated to share or I'll take it away from him.

Then it happens. 10 minutes into walking to our seats he asks:

"Daddy! Carry me?"
I act like I can't hear.
"Daddy! Carry me?"
Still acting.
"Daddy! Carry me?"

I eventually gave in. I always give in to this kid. He's the baby of our family and the youngest of our children.

We finally got to our seats, which were way to small for my frame, and within minutes Maverick asks:

"Daddy, can I sit on your lap?"

Mind you, I'm already feeling uncomfortable. I feel like a vienna sausage in my undersized seat, and he still wanted to sit on my lap. I gave in.

While our family enjoys the festivities, Maverick decided he's finally going to eat his chicken strips.

"Daddy, can I have my chicken?"

I awkwardly reached beneath my seat and handed him his box of chicken strips and fries.

"No Ketchup?!" he exclaimed. It was more of a statement than a question.

At that point, I was ready to blow my top. The younger version of me would have yelled right back at my son. Fortunately, this is my 5th go around.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. Daddy forgot the ketchup. Just eat what you got." I ended with a kiss on his forehead. Meanwhile, he complained a little more under his breath and ate them.

Crisis averted.

The whole evening, I surrendered to my child and some might argue even to a fault. Here's the thing, I did it, and like most parents, would do it again. The love I have for my children is unwavering. He didn't have to earn that kind of love from me. It was there the minute I knew he existed.

Even when he had forgotten ALL the other sacrifices I made for him that evening and only focused on the ketchup I had forgotten for his chicken strips, my love didn't waver.

But Paul, that's normal behavior for a child.

True, but it's also normal behavior for adults and we are all guilty of it.

We all have a heavenly father who loves us unconditionally. We didn't have to do a single thing to earn it. In fact, the love for each of us existed eons before we even took our first breath.

And yet, there are many times when I dwell on the "ketchup". I feel like God may have forgotten, not acknowledging or being thankful for all the blessings that happened before my eyes, but to those that happen behind the scenes that I am not even aware of.

We are ALL guilty of this at various times in our lives, possibly asking:

"Father, when is it going to be my turn?"
"Father, when will you heal me of this ailment?"
"Father, when will you make my life easier?"
"Father, when will I meet that special someone?"
"Father, when will I get that promotion?"

We are human and God understands that in our mortality, these thoughts are just natural. The good news is, His love doesn't waiver and even when we don't see or feel His hands shielding us or comforting us, they are always there whether we feel like we deserve it or not.

He has not forgotten about you and He never overlooks you. His love endures.

Oh one last thing, I eventually sent one my teenagers to get Maverick a few packs of ketchup.

--Paul