What I learned in Vegas

VEGAS!!! below is something I wrote while in Vegas…
As I sit alone enjoying the beautiful bounty presented before me of grilled Salmon and roasted Thumbelina carrots on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi on the Las Vegas strip, my appetite is more than satisfied. I sip my glass of wine and savor every bite of my delicious meal… I take time to smell the various aromas of my feast, complete with a mint pea puree’, as I bring it towards my palette. I listen to the horns of the rental cars, cabs, and limos driven by today’s and yesterday’s youth, the chatter of diners at the surrounding tables, the loud obnoxious cries of men and women that may have had “one too many”… and I watch the activity around me.

As a Christian, what am I to think about the billboards plastered with and blatantly displaying sexuality? The trucks driving up and down the strips advertising adult shows? The young girl wearing a light display of feathers and dancing with her 4 inch heals on, begging for tips? The salesmen passing out pornographic cards inviting the passerby to sink into the sex trade? The whistles of men yearning for the attention of a woman…or… of women? The costumed Elsa, Anna, Snowman, Angry Bird, YMCA dancer, African American Elvis, Flamingo, who are just trying to earn a quick buck? The numerous bachelorette party groups all wearing the same thing except the soon to be bride who is outfitted with little more that a tight dress and a veil. I look at these sites, and as a Christian, my heart breaks, but I find beauty on the Vegas strip.

I look past the wardrobes or lack their of, through the sinful nature, and I see a beautiful creation… many beautiful creations. Each individual was created by God, and there is beauty past their sin… just as by His grace their is beauty past my sin. I am no better than the people I described above. I have hope and salvation through the grace of God, and the dirtiest of men are welcome to this same hope.

As I begin to think about this hope, the Bellagio Fountains begin to dance with such choreography, such beauty. I look past the sin filled billboards and notice the intricate architecture of the buildings, such craftsmanship! I glance back at my plate, and with one last bite, I indulge. After I savor my few last sips of wine, I go on my way.

(Later, I write what happened after I went on my way…)

I walked into the noise and smoked filled casino/lobby of my hotel and back to the convention room for Recognition Night. You see, ultimately, I went to Vegas for a business trip… Not to gamble, not to see a show, not to enjoy fine dining – but rather to learn more about the company that I work with and the many benefits of the products in which we sell. I heard some amazing first hand testimonies on how it has changed people’s health (among the testimonies were people who used to suffer from things like – Sleep Apnea, Depression, Alopecia, Lupus, Migraines, PTSD, ADHD, etc.). I also heard stories on how it has changed individuals’ financial situations….and others of how it change both their health and their wealth. I not only met some new friends, but I also met endorsed athletes and personal trainers who spoke of the benefits of using our products within the fitness realm. I listened to research presented by the scientific advisory board, who were there to educate us on the how and why these products have such an impact on so many people’s lives. I heard Stephen M.R. Covey speak on Trust. I was privileged to listen to our founders the Hansen’s and the Taylor’s who shared their vision, and who both already own billion dollar companies and have never sold or failed in their business ventures. Their stories are inspirational, to say the least. My trip to Vegas solidified what I already knew, that the products which we sell are superior in quality and the business is solid. As a former gym owner, Lance and I were always approached by supplement companies, but this is the first one we were willing to say “yes” to because it was basically everything we were telling our clients that they needed to take (and more) but in a nice little “done for you” package. My trip to Vegas reassured me that this is right where I am supposed to be. I believe that God has put this opportunity in my family’s path so that we may not only experience more health and more wealth, but so that we could share with others how they too can experience more health and/or wealth… how they can experience more! I am so excited to be at the forefront of the launch of this business into Louisiana because it is an opportunity to help people change their lives!