Showing Up Matters
“Child, why have you treated us like this?”
Less than a week before Christmas, a little boy scanned the audience at his preschool performance and, upon seeing mom and grandma, his eyes lit up, and his smile captured TikTok. 4-year-old Asher went viral, with over 85 million views and growing. I loved the story because for the last few years, I’ve been attending my grandsons’ programs, and they love it when family is there to see them sing. Sure, my grandsons have us trained, and they look forward to the ice cream we are required to get afterward, but the true joy is our being there for them.
What they emotionally remember isn’t the ice cream, but our presence. None of us is a perfect parent. Even the holy parents were occasionally at odds with her messianic son. Remember Jesus, age 12, separated from his parents at the temple in Jerusalem. “Child, why have you treated us like this?” And Jesus, with his 12-year-old attitude, responded, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” The Bible does not assign blame, but there was probably enough blame to go around. The parents should have paid more attention, and their son should have asked his parents before he took off.
If the Messiah and his holy parents cannot avoid misunderstanding and frustration, then maybe you and I can let ourselves off the hook. Our task is to do the best we can and keep showing up. Mary kept showing up. She even showed up at the worst moment of her life, witnessing her son on the cross. It isn’t about being the perfect parent, no matter what Facebook sites imply. Your family will show resilience if you keep showing up. Your presence in challenging moments shows your family that the trial isn’t too difficult for you, which reduces their anxiety.
In joyous moments, like a preschool program, your being there shows that they matter. The same is true about church worship services. When you are there, you show God that God matters. Your presence also asserts your support for the rest of the congregation. You can feel the energy in a well-attended worship service. When you show up, your presence strengthens God’s ministry and empowers the worship experience that day. When you sing the hymn with other congregants, you add to the volume and energy of the service. Showing up has spiritual power within you and strengthens others' faith. Showing up is an act of empowerment in your family and your church family, so keep on being there!
