The B.B. King Club and The Grand Ole Opry! But This Really Made Our Day

Back in 2014, Kathy and I went to Nashville for the long weekend; actually, nine years ago today.

We went for two reasons…

1. To attend Dan Miller’s “Coaching with Excellence” training at his home in Franklin, TN &
2. To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

We had a wonderful time. The training was foundational for me as I was making a transition from pastoral ministry to coaching, and that weekend served as confirmation that I was on the right track.

Earlier that Saturday, as we drove downtown Nashville, we searched for a parking space. Down by the water, there were parking attendants directing traffic and someone in an official, looking vest ushered us to a spot, which clearly wasn’t a designed, parking spot, but the location was filled with cars and they assured us that the space was routinely used for additional parking on weekends. We paid the fee and eagerly began to explore the music city.

I don’t even like country music but we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Nashville; I mean we had a blast, walking the streets, taking in the sights and sounds, including a visit to the BB King club which was sensational. (That same weekend we also attended the Grand Ole Opry, which I didn’t know was still a live radio show and we had so much fun).

Now into the early Sunday morning, after spending hours walking the streets, visiting different stores and clubs (I will share the story about the BB King club in more detail another time) we decided to make our way back to the car.

As we got closer to our cars location, it wasn’t hard to find because it was the only car for a hundred yards, in any direction. There it was, all alone, as if missing us, wondering if we were ever coming back for it. As we approached, we saw a note on the windshield along with an envelope.

The note was from one of the parking attendants, who explained, that to their surprise our car was ticketed for illegal parking. He went on to apologize for the inconvenience and requested we look inside the envelope.

We opened the sealed envelope, pulled out the parking ticket and to our surprise, cash in the exact amount of the ticket.

We really couldn’t believe our eyes and were equally encouraged and humbled by this person’s integrity and generosity. He could have just left the scene without doing a thing. Our Canadian plates made us vulnerable and who would care if two unsuspecting foreigners got pinched. Okay, it was a small fine but you get the point.

Instead, this guy, a total stranger, took it upon himself to take responsibility for his company and parking service and paid our debt.

Here’s my point…

Everyday, you and I have opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. We can choose to act on these or we can choose to ignore them. But either way we impact someone.

This experience reminded us that it doesn’t take a million dollars, to bless someone. It just takes action.

So today, as you move through it, look for ways you can make a difference in. someone else’s life. It may have a huge impact on them, and it likely will do something for you too.

Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better Story, my new book coming out Sept 8, 2023, is about making the most of our opportunities, our resources, our strengths, and our time to make a difference. To live with purpose, on purpose and to find meaning in all we do. Because that is why you and I are here.

So what will you do today to bless someone else?

Feeling stuck? Not sure what to do next? Your life not where you want it to be? Life coaching can help. Contact me for a free  45-minute discovery call. Let’s talk.