Monday Motivation: Balcony

Friends

As I travel through this season of Thanksgiving, I offer thanks to our Lord for my dear friends and precious loved ones who have rejoiced with me in the sunshine and stood with me through the dark days. What a blessing you have been to my life! Dedicating this message to my Auntie Sandra and Uncle Tom who claim front row seats in the balcony of my life!

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Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 – NIV

When it comes to seating, what is your preference? Balcony or ground level? It’s balcony for me. I just love the view from up there.

At our 1950s style movie theater in our small town of Graham, I always head for the balcony. The movie just seems better from that elevated perspective.

The same is true for our church sanctuary. The balcony is my favorite spot. From my perch high above, I am able to take in the whole scene, noticing details that I might miss sitting down below. I seem to be less distracted by the comings and goings. I love the way the music seems to float up and swirl around me.

From the balcony, the sound of applause rings from the rafters. It’s a powerful experience when a crowd is on their feet applauding with delight. Just the sound of that applause seems to lift our spirits and bring a smile of joy to our faces.

As we go through the ups and downs of this challenging life, we all need a little applause. We all need affirmation. I don’t mean false praise or sappy adoration. No, not flowery words, but rather, just a little positive feedback, a gentle pat on the back for a job well done.

Everyone needs encouragement. That’s why we all need “balcony people.”

Balcony people are those folks who stand in the balcony of your life and cheer you on. They watch you grow, measuring your milestones and applauding your successes. They pay attention to your accomplishments and notice your efforts. They celebrate your gifts and encourage you to reach your goals. They love you for who you are, sharing a selfless, unconditional love with you.

When the tough times come, balcony people stand by you. They show up and listen well. They send notes of encouragement. They bring casseroles.

Everybody needs “balcony people”. We need to know that we matter to someone. We need to know that someone notices who we are and what makes us tick. We need to be special to someone, not just because of what we can do for them, but just because of who we are.

Balcony people accept and applaud us. They celebrate for us and with us.

I have been so blessed to have a balcony full of loved ones who have not only celebrated the triumphs of my life, but who have also stood with me through life’s trials. I have heard their applause cheering me onward. I have felt their hands lifting me up out of the dark places along the way.

I hope that you have felt the presence of balcony people in your life. Perhaps it is a good day to pause and thank them for their gracious applause. Maybe it’s a good day to pass along the privilege. Who can you be a balcony person for today?

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And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

Hebrews 10:24 – NIV

PRAYER

O Lord, how gracious You are to bless us with balcony people. Be it friends or family, these special people enrich our lives. Their loving support offers an anchor as we brave the rough waters of life. They are a wellspring of joy in our times of celebration. Thank You for blessing us with these faithful loved ones. O Lord, equip us to pass along the privilege, that we might be someone’s balcony person today.

In the Blessed Name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

Blessings,

Anita

-APS 11/18/2019