Put Your Hands Together

A few weeks ago my family and I were blessed with tickets to the Circus. While there, I noticed something. Hardly anyone applauded. These festively dressed men, women and animals were performing death defying stunts and engaging acts of skill and delight. They were performing "the greatest show on earth." And what response did they receive in return? A half-hearted clap or two, if at all.

And it got me thinking. When did we become so numb to displays of joy and wonder? Couldn't we see how hard these people (and animals) were working to bring smiles and excitement to the audience? Have we become so entertainment based that we cannot applaud and celebrate the simple wonders of life?

And I thought about how we do the same thing to God. How often do we glaze over the magnificent displays of His splendor each day? The sunrise, and the beauty of nature that surround us each day are enough to warrant praise and thanksgiving. The miracles of life and love are enough to draw admiration and joy. And the Gift of Christ's salvation and of God's abiding presence are certainly worth a great deal of applause and gratitude.

But we don't do that very often.

We fail to stop.
And gaze.
And truly breathe in

the miracles that are every day before us. We overlook the moment by moment opportunities to applaud the God of Heaven.

May it not be so.

May God give us eyes to see just how much His glory is on display every day in the things we are tempted to call common. May we be a people who applaud, and woot woot, and shout and sing praise and thanks to God for all the things He has done. If we awaken our eyes, we find that there's no shortage of things to applaud. His majesty, His character, His love....the works of His Hand....His faithfulness....there are so many reasons today - this very day - to put our hands together and clap loudly. Never has there been and never will there be, a more worthy recipient of our applause. So whatever you're up to today, take in the demonstration of God's love and beauty all around you. Put your hands together for the truly Greatest Show in Heaven and on Earth.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.