Out and About – Week of November 7th

We recently attended a play which featured grade school and junior-high students. The audience was made up mostly of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other fans of all ages. The play was clever and well produced. The talent exhibited was more than exceptional. It was downright good. I’ve appeared in quite a few plays put on by community theatre groups, yet I was totally amazed at how well these youngsters did when it came to all the memorizing that had to be done to make the show a success. It goes without saying that the actors and stage crew received no monetary rewards. Like community theatre, the only pay they received was the applause given by the audience. This brings me to one of the subjects of this week’s column. “Applause”.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines applause as, “Approval, as shown by clapping hands”. In other words, we show our appreciation for something good by clapping our hands together. I’d be interested in knowing how this tradition came to be.
Because of my volunteering with Lions Clubs International, I have had the privilege of working with individuals who are vision and hearing challenged. If a person is deaf, they probably cannot hear the clapping of hands. I’ve learned that the way to deal with this situation is to wave your hands and arms in the air, instead of clapping your hands. The results are received in the same way.
There are many fine preachers out there who can make believers out of just about anyone. Their sermons are meaningful and, if delivered properly, can stir one’s soul, yet it’s rare that they receive a round of applause for a job well done. It’s just not the right thing to do. Depending on where the sermon is delivered, reactions can, range from “PRAISE THE LORD” to “AMEN, BROTHER”. The preacher can also just receive a warm handshake as worshipers exit the church. I guess feeling good about your delivery is what matters. Everyone needs to know that they are appreciated, no matter which way the appreciation is shown.
I don’t think we’re ever too old to have some shortcomings, and I seriously doubt that few of us don’t have something that we should quit doing. I am guilty of these things that we should all try to cease doing:
Stop trying to please everyone.
Change is inevitable. Stop fearing it.
We all have memories of years gone by, but we should stop living in the past.
Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Stop putting yourself down.
Relax and try to stop overthinking every situation. You’ll make your share of mistakes, no matter how much you think about your actions.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman