Day 2 in my October adventure. 31 Days to Being a "Real"
Writer.
Today is also my beloved friend's birthday. So, in honor of Greg
Sparks, I am changing the plans I had for this post. If you know Greg, you know
the change of plans is apropos!
Here is Greg's Facebook status update: If
you would, instead of just saying Happy Birthday, which I welcome, mention some
memory you have that we either shared, or you have of me. Only because my mind
can't contain all the wonderful events of 54 years, and I need reminders of
what, when, where, and who.
Who
is Greg Sparks to me? He and his beautiful wife Rebecca are the worship leaders
at Crossfire and I am blessed to sing with them. Their music and ministry has touched my heart
since I first saw them in concert 15 years ago.
But
those words are insufficient.
To
know Greg Sparks as a Christian brother is to be blessed and challenged and
humored in the same instance.
Greg
is at once beautifully simple (in the best way) and astoundingly complex (in
the best way).
His
musical abilities are nothing short of genius. He can arrange harmonies and
instrumental parts for the entire band on a whim...and in the next moment
forget what song we are working on.
On
Sunday morning, he drives 50 minutes, creates a whirlwind rehearsing 5 songs
with the band, working on the lights and sound board, rushing rushing rushing
right up to 9:45am. But when the service starts, when he is worshiping God,
Greg can sing a song or speak a word that penetrates cold hearts and brings
people to the throne of the Almighty.
Greg
is firm in his beliefs, but never a tyrant. I love that about him.
Greg
has the fire of God's love in his heart, and he always uses it for good. I
don't know anyone more willing to help a person in need, more willing to reach
out to those who have been marginalized by society. He doesn't (like many other
Christians) use the fire to burn people, but to create warmth that draws them
into God's family. I love that about
him.
No
one could ever question how much Greg Sparks loves his wife and adores his
children. He talks openly about it . More importantly, he lives it. He extends
that love, loyalty, and protection to his friends. I love that about him.
Greg
seems to exist in a place where people's idiosyncrasies are non-existent. He
isn't bothered by things that irritate most of us. I am astounded by that. And
when I want him to share irritation and he doesn't, I am frustrated by it. But
in the end, I love that about him.
Is
living with him a piece of cake? I doubt it. Rebecca will probably confirm that
a musical genius with ADD who wants to stop and help everyone in need but can't
ever find his glasses is not, in fact, a piece of cake.
More
like a banana split...some hot stuff, some cold stuff, lots of flavor, a little
fruit.
Greg
Sparks is self-effacing, funny, supremely comfortable in his own skin, funny
when he doesn't mean to be, a loving husband/father/grandfather/brother/friend.
And
I love that about him.
Happy
Birthday, Greg!
May
God bless us all by giving you many more years.
And
thanks for challenging me by changing my writing plan today. "Real"
writers can adept to new topics quickly!
To
my 31 readers...we will talk again soon.
BP
:)
1 comment:
You know, he really rocks that shaved head!
This morning I had a post ready to run (wrote it yesterday). I'd rested on my laurels and picked an easy topic because all of a sudden... I went blank on the unbelievable amount of material I had to draw on.
I wrote a new post today, and I'm much happier with it.
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