My Dad's Nod of Approval

I was close to my dad. His love and approval meant everything to me. He attended my baseball games when I was very young, went to my cross-country meets when I was in high school (even though I stunk as a runner), and he read the sports articles I wrote for the newspaper while I was in school.

He died of a heart attack suddenly at age 49. I took Mom to the hospital following the ambulance, but he was gone. When we returned home, my dad's fellow teacher and friend was already at the house. She burst into tears and said words I will never forget: "Your dad was so proud of you!

This story in Enjoying God by S. J. Hill (https://www.sjhillonline.com/) reminded me of that terrible day 45 years ago:

"Several centuries ago a famous European pianist performed a concert before five thousand people in one of the continent's splendid music halls. He played one of his most popular pieces, and when he had finished the audience gave him a thunderous standing ovation. Afterwards, he was asked, 'What did it feel like to receive such applause? Was it the greatest experience you ever had?' The pianist replied, 'I liked the applause, but it wasn't the most important thing to me. After the audience had sat down I noticed my teacher of thirty years sitting in the top corner of the balcony. He looked at me and gave me a nod of approval. That one nod from my master brought me more pleasure than the standing ovation of thousands.'"

One attaboy from my dad was better than any award I ever received. He was my "teacher in the balcony." Who is yours? Is there someone whose approval means the world to you?