Idols

Two days ago I had the privilege of seeing my boyhood idol, Steve Martin, at the Pinewood Bowl. I did what I normally don’t do and purchased tickets in the second row. I’ll admit I still feel guilty.

Usually when I have something special planned, I’m pretty giddy about it as the day approaches. This time was different. I kept forgetting that the concert was on my calendar and we then wound up leaving late for the show. I actually found myself nervous about it on the road into the show. This all made me very reflective and I began the work of discernment as to why I was in such a weird place with it all.

I came to the conclusion that I was fearful that somehow my boyhood idol would fall from his grand pedestal through the experience. I also realized that the real life Steve Martin, in all likelihood, could not live up to the Steve Martin in my mind.

It is a strange thing we do when we create idols. We generate something quite unfair – to them and to us.

Some context might help. In my mind, I don’t think that I would probably be a pastor right now if it weren’t for Steve Martin. This may be hyperbole, but not in my heart-of-hearts.

Growing up I was an awkward kid. I had few friends and even fewer prospects of friends. In the mid-70s I discovered Steve Martin’s comedy albums. His sense of humor made sense to me and I began to study stand-up comedy. I found it to be a pretty pure art form. A man and a microphone is all one has when standing up and, if you’re good enough, people eventually will like you. In those years, and by the grace of God, we moved 650 miles away.  With a fresh start and a desire to be funny I entered a new school. It worked and I finally made some good and lasting friendships.

Years later I received Steve Martin’s autobiographical book, Born Standing Up, in which he recounts the difficult relationships from his childhood. This was yet another bond we shared. By this time Steve was great at about everything he did – stand up comedian, actor, author, musician, art collector and philanthropist. All-in-all, he has done well and he is an easy guy to admire.

So, perhaps my nerves on Sunday were simply about the creation of an idol. As I’ve matured from boyhood to manhood, I have learned that idolization is probably not best for me. After all, he is just a man – albeit a very, very talented one. And I’m just a man – one trying to do the best that I can.

So come down, Steve, from your pedestal in my mind. I’ll still admire you, but let the idolization be done.

And by the way, the show was fabulous. I sat so close I could have reached out and touched him. But I didn’t… because then I never again would wash that hand!