Have you ever had that question where you are asked “if you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be”? My list isn’t really all that inspiring or extensive. There is one name that would be at the top though. Max Lucado. If I could choose one author that has inspired, challenged and changed me, he would be the one. It’s not that I am a crazed fan or anything, I just would like to shake his hand. Today…I got that chance.
Someone must have tipped Max off about the fact that if you want to score points (like he would need or want to) with me, love on my kids. Before I could even introduce myself or shake his hand, he had left his chair and given my son a full fledge “Bear Hug”. I was pretty well JELLO after that.
I brought a copy of “3:16” for him to sign and my son chose “A Hat for Ivan” which Max wrote as well. It’s one of his favorites. Max knelt down, looked my son in the eye and said “Austin, God has a very special hat made for you as well. It might be a policeman, a fireman or maybe even an athlete. God made one just for you“. I said “we are shooting for basketball player at North Carolina, but understand if that one doesn’t fit”. Max and his lovely wife Denalyn took time to love on each one of the kids. He even held Brynn’s little face in his hand at one point.
It was one of the most special and memorable 5 – 10 minutes I have ever had. Although we were just 5 more faces in the line of people that he has and was to meet, Max and his wife never made us feel that way. I will never forget it. So the next time someone asks the question about who I would like to meet, I can say “I already have”.
Wow!! That is awesome!! What a memory that will be for you and your family to treasure. Glad you held it together and didn’t act like a crazed fan. Thanks for sharing!!
That is very cool!! It’s nice to know that ‘in real life’ he follows through as he writes–what a great thing for your kids to see too!!
circle this date on the calendar. Cool that you got to bring the family along. Talk about making a memory.
Mary – I did my best to hold back (ha-ha). It was almost a scene from when the Beatles arrived on American soil right there in Sams Club!
Rindy – He is as real, genuine, compassionate and kind as his books would indicate. Tough to gauge from 10 minutes, but I saw nothing in this man that would tell me he doesn’t practice what he preaches. 🙂
Clay – I am not sure what was more special…meeting him, or having him take such an interest in Austin. Austin has printed off the picture and taped it inside the book right below where Max signed it. He said he was going to take it to school and show his teacher. I pray the message that Max gave him leaves that impression too. I will never forget this day.
Now that’s a nice memory to tuck away. I’d like to meet Charles Stanley and if I’m being really bold, can I add Robert Morris??! I love how every word they write touches me almost as much as the Bible.
I enjoy reading Max Lucado’s books so much and it would be nice to meet him someday. What a great memory for you and your family to have! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Very sweet! I saw that book in the bookstore yesterday. I’d love to hear how it is. Looks like a quick read.