Today, I am going to share something with you that only about three other people in the whole world know about me. It’s not something I share with many because, honestly, it’s a little embarrassing.. It’s not the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done, but it’s up there. OK, no more stalling… here goes… I have impersonated Elvis. Like, on a stage… in front of a crowd. This wasn’t karaoke; this was a full costume, a full production, and backup dancers. I was, for one night only, the King of Rock and Roll.

I assume that by this point, you’ll want some context. Well, here’s how it all went down.

Many years ago, my wife, another couple, and I decided to go on a cruise. If you’ve never been on one of these massive ships, you should know that they boast more food than you could possibly eat and a limitless number of activities to fill the time at sea. One of those activities is karaoke. One night, the four of us decided to go and watch. While we were there, I decided to get up there and give it a shot¹. It went really well, and afterward, another participant approached me, complimented my performance, and told me I should audition for the showcase. I decided to give it a shot. So, I signed up for an audition. I was given the choice between being Garth Brooks or Elvis.

I’m not sure why I chose Elvis, but I was given an MP3 player with a mashup of “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” The next day, I spent hours listening to that recording. I listened to it by the pool, in my room, while partaking in the aforementioned food, etc. That night, I did the official audition and got the part. The next day, I was to report to the auditorium a few hours before the show for my costume fitting and dress rehearsal. There, I was given a costume that was way too big, shown exactly where I was to walk, and taught the few dance steps for the song. There were many warnings about not stepping outside of where you should be and the injuries that could happen to you or the other performers should you violate any of these warnings. After a few run-throughs, we were sent on our way until time for the performance.

That night, I got to the dressing room, put on the massive jumpsuit, wig, and sunglasses, and headed to my position. Seconds before my song, I realized my dancers weren’t with me. I was on the wrong side of backstage. I quickly maneuvered to the other side and got in position with just enough time for several members of the cast to laugh at me. I went out onto the stage, nailed the performance, and went on my way to enjoy the rest of my trip. After a quick moment of wondering if the sea life was the life for me, I came back to reality and realized that I was glad it was over.

I learned a lot from being the king. First, I learned that sometimes, doing karaoke on a whim should be left at that. I don’t know why, but to me, every opportunity sounds like it’s the best thing ever. I recently began a new job, and I have to say, I already love it! But during the process, I was in conversation about another role. As those conversations progressed, I was constantly talking about that role as if it was the perfect one for me. However, I knew in the back of my mind that it wasn’t the right fit. Had I continued down that path, I would have missed this one. I wonder what opportunities I missed on that cruise because I was so focused on practicing for an audition that someone else convinced me was a great idea. I wasted an entire day so I could sing an Elvis mashup in front of a few hundred people. Honestly, not worth it.

The second thing that comes to mind is that costume. It didn’t fit because it was made for someone else. I am not sure who it was made for, but it definitely wasn’t me. I fought with that sequined jumpsuit throughout the entire process. I think too often we try to fit ourselves into a costume that was made for someone else. Maybe not literally, but with our lives. We often attempt to emulate people we look up to, admire, or are even jealous of. We try to fit ourselves into their mold, and it just doesn’t work. You were made to be unique, a masterpiece, one of a kind. Isaiah 64:8 reminds us that, “We are the clay, [and God,] you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (NIV). Just like no two pieces of pottery are exactly the same, neither are any two people. We were made to be one of a kind, and just like that costume didn’t fit me, someone else’s life and purpose won’t fit you.

Finally, the restrictions on what I could and couldn’t do during the performance were next level. I remember feeling like a robot headed out onto that stage. Honestly, this was karaoke with costumes… and dancers… and Vegas-level lighting. At any rate, it was a performance, but for me, it wasn’t art. I didn’t get to add my own spin or my personality into any of it. I was doing a task, not sharing a craft. I wonder how often we get stuck there in our own lives. How often do we get so stuck in the routine of what we’re doing that we forget we were made for more? Your purpose is bigger than your to-do list. Scripture tells us in John 10:10 that Jesus came so that we could have life and have it to the full. He came so that we could be a part of bringing His kingdom to earth. He has a purpose for us that is so much bigger than the mundane. Don’t let the world box you in and turn you into a robot.

What I thought was going to be a fun experience and a good story turned out to be just a waste of time. In fact, when I brought this story up to my wife the other day, she didn’t even remember it happening! Thankfully, it was only a wasted day. Unfortunately, for many of us, we are living a life that is a lot like this performance. We’re navigating decisions based on other people’s ideas of what is best for us, we’re trying to fit into a life that was made for someone else, and we’re so caught up performing restrictive tasks that we’ve lost our ability to dream and create. I want to encourage you today, snap out of it! God has so much more for you. He has a purpose and a plan that is designed specifically for you. It is a purpose and a plan that will allow you to truly come alive and to become the absolute best version of yourself.

Here’s another massive revelation about me… I don’t even like Elvis that much. I appreciate what he did for the music industry, but his music just isn’t my jam. I wish I hadn’t wasted that day. Don’t waste your life. Seek the Lord and His purpose for you. I promise, being the best version of yourself will always be better than being a cheap copy of someone else. Uh, thank ya very much²!

¹ I’d like to think I was dared, but who can say.

² That was something Elvis would say, and after typing it, I immediately regretted it. However, I left it there to substantiate the value of the sentence before. Take a second to read that one again.