I’m an ex-worrier. I spent a good chunk of my life unleashing myself from the monster called Anxiety. And I’ve had great success through prayer and re-focusing my attention on the Truth.
But lately, a creepy little monster by the name ‘Am I Making a Difference’ has surfaced.
The beast most often haunts me at night when I am about to fall asleep. I put my head down on my pillow, spent from the day and I wonder: Am I making a difference? Is anything I’m doing really helping anyone?
This beast has been tenacious. Night after night, I wonder. Feeling that somehow I’m missing the mark. And night after night, my husband, Will, says the same thing, “Of course, you’re making a difference. Just keep doing the last thing God told you to do. You’re tired. Let me pray for you ~ get some sleep.”
Then I would fall fast asleep, wake up in the morning, work diligently all day and face the questions again. I went on like this for several months until … last week.
Will had a meeting with Billy Seuss ~ a guy that goes to ACF and is an area director for Young Life here in Austin. Billy said something to Will who in turn, said something to me. And it changed my thinking. Dramatically. He said:
The way we gauge success is by showing up. If we show up, we’re successful. Not by the number of kids that come to club or decisions we make in meetings. When we show up, we’re successful because God does everything else.
Show. Up.
Just show up.
Are you a mom? Show up in the morning. Make breakfast. Do the laundry. Car-pool. Help with homework in the afternoons. Make dinner. Show up.
Working at a job full time? Show up on time. Be friendly with your co-workers. Drink coffee. Attend meetings. Support your boss. Finish your tasks. Show up.
A student? Go to class. Engage in conversation. Respect your instructor. Appreciate the opportunity. Laugh. Enjoy your schedule. Show up.
Wherever you are in your life, show up. Generous, confident, engaged.
Love God.
Love people.
Show up.