There’s a beautiful quote from the movie Wonder: “I think it should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life.”

I came close when Robert and I dined at one of our local restaurants.

It was a beautiful, warm day, so we sat outside on the patio.

The server led us through the back room that is reserved for big parties. There was a long table with women seated all around it. On the table were gift bags and balloon center pieces.

As we walked through the room the women erupted with cheers and claps saying, “There she is!” All were wearing masks including me. I held out my arms and with gusto said, “Thank you so much!!!”

They soon realized, however, that I was not the person they were celebrating, and we all erupted in laughter. On the way out, I couldn’t help but spread out my arms and thank them again. I walked away hearing laughter behind me as they explained to the birthday girl the reason for my antics.

That’s when I was reminded by the standing ovation quote from Wonder.

A Standing Ovation for a Sports Legend

I have been a St. Louis Blues hockey fan ever since they came to town in 1967. I was an ice skater growing up and was always more into playing sports instead of playing with dolls.

Hockey players are amazing. They not only have to skate well but handle a stick, shoot well, and check other opponents. I am always in awe of their skills and talent.

The Blues honored defenseman Chris Pronger and retired his jersey number. There was a ceremony at center ice in front of the St. Louis fans. All his family was there. He gave a speech thanking his parents for all the sacrifices they made. His mother was shedding tears for her son to be honored in such a way.

Wow, I thought. What would it be like to get that kind of recognition for doing something that you were so great at doing? To see your mom cry because she was so very proud of you? Or to be a mother in that spot when your child is recognized for being remarkable?

Standing Ovations for the Not Famous

Ever wonder what the percentage of the world is famous? Only .0086%. Chris Pronger is famous in the hockey world. But if you are not into hockey, you would never know his name.

Most of us aren’t going to make it to that level. I was thinking of my sister-in-law Debbie who cares for her son Mikey. Mikey is autistic. He is pretty much nonverbal in speech, but you can’t deny his presence when he comes into a room. He can be loud along with the mobile devices that he is attached to that hold his attention. Debbie does a wonderful job in trying to keep the disruption to a minimum in a very loving way.

Mikey is prone to wander, to reprogram remotes and computers if left unchecked. For the two hours he spent here at Christmas, I was on high alert, wondering if he would break something or wander off in the house. I was stressed. I thought of Debbie and her life consumed with his care. She most likely won’t get a banner raised in her name or a standing ovation for her dedication.

What the Bible Says about Being Recognized for What You Do

There is great comfort for when you feel unrecognized, unappreciated, resentful, discouraged, or unworthy. The Bible has many examples of how God recognizes what you do.

The Psalmist tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Proverbs 15:3 tells us that the eyes of the Lord are in every place. Jesus tells us that God knows the number of hairs on our heads (and what that number was when you used to have hair). ; ) Simply stated, who we are and what we do is recognized in God’s eyes.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

You may not be recognized for what you do. That’s why I want to offer you a standing ovation today. : ) Is there someone you know who should receive a standing ovation? Reach out to them and show your appreciation.

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