We All Like a Standing Ovation
Tony Morgan
For many weeks, our son, Jacob, tried to make the transition that would allow him to ride his bicycle without training wheels. This made for a grueling summer, literally involving blood, sweat, and tears. And it was hard on Jacob as well.
After about a dozen failed attempts, my wife Emily grabbed the back of the bike for another running launch. This time Jacob was determined to do it on his own and so, declining his mom's assistance, he said, "Just cheer for me, Mommy." Then he took off on his own and kept on pedaling all the way home—to the cheers of his mom and the rest of the family.
Like Jacob, we aren't always looking for a push. Instead, we just want someone to cheer for us. We all need cheerleaders. We all need people who will encourage us to do the next right thing. From time to time, we all need standing ovations. We need others to affirm that we're moving in the right direction and that they recognize the value of our contributions.
In the church, we give praise to God, but we tend to be uneasy about praising others. This is unfortunate because I believe God created us with a need to hear "well done" from time to time. It's probably why God instructs us to "love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:10). God wants us to encourage each other because he knows that affirmation breathes life into each of us.
So the next time you catch a soloist, a teacher, a children's worker, or an usher "knocking the ball out of the park," don't hesitate to stand up and cheer. It may be just the encouragement this faithful servant needs to stay the course.
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