The Roar of the Crowd…. yes, I hear it….

Sometimes, I get a glimpse of Heaven. Today, I was thinking about my children, and their accomplishments and awards. I thought about my eldest and his first piano recital. I can still see that small church hall in Frizinghall, England. As one student after another came and performed for the modest audience, I was on pins and needles waiting for my little protegé. When it was his turn, I was on the edge of my seat, willing him to a flawless finish. Hardly daring to breathe, I counted down the measures as he completed a perfect performance. As he played his last note, he looked into the audience, scanning each face for familiarity. As soon as we locked eyes, we both broke into huge smiles.

And so it is with Heaven. Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, urging us to finish our race with honor. I could just see this morning, the Throne Room, the angelic hosts, and the dearly departed who are sitting there, with bated breath, looking at how we are accomplishing our tasks. They are willing us, just as I was with my child, to a flawless, honorable finish. When our race is over, just like my child, we will gaze into the face of our Father, and hope to see the satisfaction in His face. We will yearn to hear those words of praise, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

As with recitals, the pupil must practice until he accomplishes the muscle memory so that chaotic key strokes morph into tickling the ivories. In life, we must make daily decisions to choose well. Paul says that we must ‘lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us.” All Heaven is watching, cheering us on. As I scan the heavenlies for those whom I love who are watching my movement towards the finish line, I can almost hear the ‘atta girls’ from the sidelines of Heaven. I am motivated by the hope that when I join their ranks, just like my son, I will see smiles of congratulations.

As a mom, I know that my approval and encouragement motivate my children toward greatness. As a teacher, I have seen the power of my expectations change a floundering student into a scholar.

How much more should we recognize that all Heaven is watching us and cheering us on. We don’t want to disappoint them… let us choose well.

Until next time,

Polly