Celebrating Brilliance

Last night I was at a 40th Anniversary Concert for the Southampton Youth Brass Band who I played with during 2000-2003. Whilst it was great to see old friends and hear what people are up to now, the best bit was having the opportunity to honour one man, Ian Smith.

I have mentioned before that I reckon that brilliance in a person is a quality sorely lacking in the world today. And yet, as we gathered in New Community Church's Central Hall it was clear that this man has touched many lives over his 33 years directing the band. Many have gone on to be professional musicians and others have stories of how their experiences in SYBB helped them later on in life. However you look at it, this one man has had an incredible impact in many many lives. I love that. I want to be like that.

Listening to him speak after the first of his two standing ovations showed that his passion for what he does isn't going to diminish even though he's soon to 'retire'. And I wonder how many times over the past 33 years he could have done with a little bit of the huge encouragement he received last night. We often leave encouragements until it's too late; or at least later than it could have been.

Don't be slow to celebrate brilliance: be quick to encourage!