by Ricky Doc Sauceda
1 Samuel 16:7
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
I was working at Astroworld in Houston, Texas during the summer of 1981. My step-brother put in a word for me. Then he had me apply.
He attended Stephen F. Austin High School. He had graduated as the class valedictorian, was involved in many activities and also accepted to some very good Texas colleges. He worked in the food court.
While manning the candy store in the main entrance area of the park, I met a host of interesting people. We charged ridiculous prices for merchandise and candy confections. People paid the price and got what they desired.
One day a group of people came in to peruse the store. I greeted them at the check out counter. One of them had an REO Speedwagon concert t-shirt. I asked if he was a musician.
He said,"I am a drummer."
At that, I stood back a bit and sized him up. I responded,"You look too thin and weak to be a drummer." He just gawked at me and his jaw dropped open and shook his head in disbelief of what I just said.
I also played drums but was in better physical shape than him. His friends broke out in laughter after I, basically, insulted him.That is when I started thinking of a very thin boy who was a part of the Conroe High School marching band in my former town.
His name was Jeff Agnor (Aggie). He did not look like much. But, he was the best drummer in the school.
So I restated my previous decision and said,"Well, you could be a drummer." He said,"Gee. Thanks." The entourage then left the candy store laughing very heartily.
Later on that evening I learned that REO Speedwagon was the band for the summer concert series that night. After some time passed by and I was listening to albums in my bedroom...I pulled out the REO Speedwagon that I had.
I was reading the list of songs and noticed photos of the band members. It is then that I discovered that I had been talking to Alan Gratzer in the candy store. He is the original drummer for the band at that time.
I said to myself,"Wow! I was insulting a professional musician!"
My three children know of this event because I shared about it while they were growing up. I have slowly learned to not judge people by their appearance. That is very important for us in life.