“Because you inspire us.”

“When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums, there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!” -from the play Les Misérables

My lovely wife, Mary, organized a family event. We all met in Dallas and enjoyed time together that culminated in a very nice, leisurely brunch at the Music Hall before seeing the iconic play Les Misérables.

Most of us had seen it before and yet the power of the story and the majesty of the music make for an emotional event every time. My take is the play is about the worst of humanity and the best in humanity.

After the performance we waited by the side door to meet some of the cast. While Mary got an autograph from one performer who played a main but somewhat loathsome character, I thanked him for sharing his talents and said, “Your work inspires us.”

I was caught off guard by his reaction. He looked up and with an almost disbelieving laugh said, “How?”

“Because you inspire us to be better,” I said.

Those of us who gave a rousing standing ovation during three curtain calls felt it.

Whenever I see a masterful performance—beit a play, concert, or speech—my spirit is uplifted. I feel a renewed sense of wanting to pursue excellence with a vengeance. The witness is powerful and positive. If he or she can do it, so can I!

Perhaps the performer thought his value was tied to the role, and since it wasn’t heroic didn’t count. Maybe repetition and familiarity discounted the perceived value of his life’s work.

Or he forgot that excellence inspires others.

We mustn’t forget to pursue excellence in all we do for, if another person is inspired to do better, we have changed the world. And excellence fulfills Jesus Christ’s instructions to let our light shine so the Father is glorified.

I want someone to say to me, “Your work inspires us to be better.”