The Power of Applause

Admin Fri 26 Feb 2016 - 21:54

The Power of Applause

Recently my wife and I sat charmed at an outdoor
performance by young Suzuki violin students. After the
concert, an instructor spoke briefly on how children as
young as two, three and four years old are taught to
play violin. The first thing the children learn, he
said, is a proper stance. And the second thing the
children learn--even before they pick up the violin--is
how to take a bow. "If the children just play the
violin and stop, people may forget to show their
appreciation," the instructor said. "But when the
children bow, the audience invariably applauds. And
applause is the best motivator we've found to make
children feel good about performing and want to do it
well."
Adults love applause too. Being affirmed makes us feel
wonderful. If you want to rekindle or keep the flame of
love glowing in your marriage through the years, try
showing and expressing your appreciation for your mate.
Put some applause in your marriage and watch love grow.
- Dr. Ernest Mellor, in Homemade, November, 1984.
Cited in The Pastor's Story File, November 2004.