The Applause of Heaven

          Have you had the rare experience when the audience or crowd stands to their feet to applaud YOU?  Not your team or your fellow cast, but you?  Can you imagine that joy?  I was a cheerleader in high school and college. I’ve enjoyed cheering at many games where teams at minimum try hard and others where they hold the championship trophy wildly above their heads.

            I’ve experienced a few occasions where it was the reverse, people actually applauding for me.  It’s VERY humbling.  I’ve left those situations feeling awkward and embarrassed. 

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            My mom shared with me a story of an amazing concert violinist who left disappointed after a performance recognizing that although the entire audience cheered his recital, his teacher had not.  The violinist wanted only to see his instructor stand to his feet and applaud.

            Moms, I want to reassure you that God is applauding you!  He is not standing too far from you.  He is taking note not so much of what you are doing, but that you ARE.  He is applauding YOU because you are HIS!

            Just as parents, we don’t look at our children waiting for them to do “right,” rather we love them just because they “are.” 

            John 15 asks us to “abide” or stay close. As we daily take on the challenge of parenting, I encourage you to realize God isn’t checking a punch list to see that we have completed all of our tasks for Him.  God is applauding each of us, simply because we are “his.”

            Today, take some time to imagine a huge auditorium or court or arena or stage, where God is on His feet wildly cheering for His winner – YOU!  God’s applause does not cause awkward feelings or embarrassment.  Regardless of everyone else's reaction, God is on His Feet cheering for YOU!