A Time for Applause
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Recently, because of a very tight flight connection, I was rushing through an airport to catch the next flight. The place was crowded with weekend travelers. Most were walking fast, headed to their gates. There were the smartphone zombies who looked down at their phones, expecting others to get out of their way as they meandered through the concourses. Others stared intently at the various signs, trying to figure out where they were going.
Then something happened that made me pause and think.
As I rushed toward my gate and passed a large open space filled with people at tables grabbing a bite before their flights, I heard beautiful music being played on a grand piano. I didn’t see the piano, and most people weren’t even paying attention. But the few who were gave me pause. When the piece ended, those listening broke into applause.
There, in the midst of the hustle and bustle, was an appreciation for beautiful music. Joy was expressed over the music and the musician. While most didn’t notice, some did.
Our world is a place where busyness and rushing are constant. At times it feels much like that airport. Some know where they are going. Some haven’t a clue. Some are trying to read the signs to know where they need to be. Others are simply sitting down and not paying attention at all. Either way, we know the rush of this sinful world ultimately ends in destruction.
Yet there is always time to applaud.
A time to be grateful for the abundance of a God who has made complete provision for us. A time to praise. A time to rediscover the amazing things of this world.
On a recent walk with a small child, it was such fun to see them respond each time they heard a bird call. They tried to imitate the sound. A few steps further, we bent to see a flower. Granted, it was a flower on a weed, but it still had its own beauty. The wonder in the child as they discovered and contemplated each new thing was their applause for God’s creation.
Maybe this week take some time and give some applause to God. Pause to hear the music of nature. Pause to contemplate creation around you. Sing a song of praise.
There is a great quote from the book Ministry of Healing (page 254) that states,
“Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and His blessing.”
Stop rushing and take time to applaud this week. Applaud with gratitude toward an amazing God who is knocking on our heart’s door and saying that He wants to come in and share a meal with us (Rev. 3:20).