“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
I recently had a conversation with a person starting a new job. They were nervous. Part of the job involved something they had never done before. I can see why they might have some apprehension, but I was also reminded that new opportunities in life are a blessing. They stretch us beyond our current level of comfort. New adventures bring challenging joy to us. Trying new things is important. Our lives are a gift, and we are intended to live them to the full.
Kent Broussard has lived a wonderful and full life. Kent and his wife, Cheryl, live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kent is a recently retired accountant. They have a lovely home in a beautiful neighborhood. Like most people in Baton Rouge, Kent is a fan of Louisiana State football. He is also a big fan of the LSU marching band, known as The Golden Band From Tigerland.
For most of his life, Kent has dreamed of marching in the LSU marching band. After he retired, Kent told his wife he was going to try out for the band. Cheryl was amused. She asked, “What kind of band are you talking about? Do they have a senior band?” She quickly realized Kent was serious about auditioning for marching band.
At age 66, Kent began to lift weights, jog (something he had already been doing for a few years to keep in shape) and work out with a weighted vest so he could be ready to keep up with the 18-22-year-old students who make up the LSU marching band. Kent would have to be ready for the hard work of being part of the band while carrying the largest instrument possible, the sousaphone.
After six months of training in his neighborhood, Kent enrolled as a 66-year-old freshman at LSU, even though he already had a degree from another university. He would audition for the LSU marching band, and with great pride, Kent became the oldest ever member of The Golden Band From Tigerland. He now proudly wears the purple and gold uniform each week.
When asked about why he would do something like this, Kent said, “People retire. Dreams don’t.” What a wonderful outlook on life. God has given each of us dreams and passions. Our age does determine many things, but it is not a reason to leave behind the things that bring us joy and excitement. Trying new things, working to make our dreams a reality, is something we all must consider. Life is a gift from God. God intends for us to live our lives to the fullest.
-Rev. Keith King
