AN accomplished young pianist had no confidence in his own playing ability. In order to encourage him, his tutor arranged for him to perform at a piano recital to be given to an audience of gifted musicians.

He played brilliantly. The audience stood to show their appreciation, but he ran off stage and hid himself behind a curtain – refusing to acknowledge their applause.

The organiser of the concert told him they wanted to hear more of his music, but he refused to perform again. Trying to encourage him, he said, “Look, everyone is applauding you. Come and peep through the curtains.”

He did, and said, “They are not all standing to applauded me. See that man on the front row – he’s not standing for a start?”

“Ha! Don’t worry about him. He’s only one in an audience of many. Can’t you see - everybody else is standing?”

“Maybe – but he’s my piano teacher.”

We all know when we have the true mark of approval. It is the one who knows us best that is the one we trust the most.

We take our bearings from those around us; we depend on their encouragement to make our life real. Reaction, however it is received, can either make us or destroy us.

We are never fooled by the way life treats us; to each one is given the gift to know when we are wanted, appreciated, loved.

To be on the outside is an unwanted experience. I see Harry Kane sitting on the bench whilst his team mates are making a pig’s ear of the game.

To be on the outside, not to be part of, involved, not doing what a life time’s training experience has help you to do, cast out, replaced, not needed.

Nobody, however they they treat him, is outside the love of God.

Alistair Dawson

Retired Salvation Army Officer