Showing Up

 

80% of success is showing up.” Woody Allen

There are many different ways to define success in this life and, for the record; Woody Allen is not my regular “go-to guy” for definitions. But, in the quote above he makes a good point.

My husband and I are at that time of life when we can see what our peers are doing and (in our flesh) either be envious of what they have that we do not or too proud of what we have that others do not. Thinking like that, I am reminded that others are not our standard. We have to think about what God wants.

True peace and joy for us comes from resting in Christ and knowing that we have spent many years now with a goal of pleasing Him and loving Him by obeying His commands.

One of the conscious decisions we have made is for me to keep a schedule that allows me to be available to do whatever ministry might need to be done.  Meaning, we have chosen to live on one income. Obviously, when our kids were young we prioritized them – but that has been a while!

More recently, the temptation to just hide away, whether avoiding a virus or a contentious conversation, has increased. But, before Christ, our highest priority is neither our comfort or perfect health. Out highest priority is to love God and enjoy Him…this is rarely done from a couch or behind a computer screen.

Being able to say “Yes” when people needed assistance has been a blessing.

Keeping these commitments, i.e., letting my yes be yes, can be a little harder. Sometimes a day comes when I have gotten a “better offer” so I have to remember the commitments I have made and who I am to please.

Keeping our focus on the Lord helps to remind us that God cares if our “yes” is still “yes.”

Many times when we think we are “just giving someone a ride” to a Doctor’s appointment or “just dropping off a meal,” the Lord uses the opportunity for us to speak truth or bring some encouragement to another person. In a mentoring or other Bible Study relationship we can teach clearly what the scriptures say about their circumstances.

Sometimes people need someone to “just show up” for whatever is needed. Of course, for many it may not be necessary to forgo an income. “Showing up” can be more of a matter of the heart; of what we do with what we consider “me” time.

With the “flexible” time in our weekly schedules, could we be available for others in any of these ways?

• Help a young Mom (especially one who is homeschooling).
• Mentor said Mom so she feels equipped to love her children (Titus 2:4).
• Think about how you might visit or otherwise encourage the orphan and the widow or the sick person in your local assembly or family (James 1:27).
• Speak Biblical truth without reservation to friends.
• Teach a Bible Study for the younger women in your assembly.
• Spur others on to love and good works by your example and by encouraging words (Hebrews 10:24).
• Don’t forget you never stop being the helpmate for your husband or the Mother and/or Grandmother of the family (Genesis 2:18).

You can probably think of other ways to minister to others.

If 80% of success is showing up,  consider how successful the spread of the kingdom will be if we “show up” for Christ!

…but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3