Showing Up

Over the last year, our congregation stopped taking up a physical financial offering in worship. You can just imagine the initial angst of the leadership when this proposal first came about. But giving is more than just about money, isn’t it? So we have shifted to a more general invitation. I often will say: During this time of offering, I invite you to give your hearts and lives again to Christ.

But how does that look – concretely?

A few thoughts.

I’ve been thinking about my Mamaw. She is no longer with us, but a number of years ago, I called her on a Sunday afternoon just to check-in. And in the course of our conversation, I asked her, Mamaw, how was church today?” And she said, “Oh, I skipped today.” And I said, “I’ll bet they missed you.” And you know what she said? She said, “Well… they sure as hell didn’t send out any search parties!” She was being funny – I think.

The truth is, Mamaw would have been the first to tell you; most of the time we don’t realize what we have to offer… and what difference we can make.

Just on the surface level – when you show up for worship, or for a potluck dinner, or a Bible study, or a community mission – even if you never said a word – you add spiritual energy. Your presence brings a sense of affirmation. We’re together in this. You also bring your insights, your challenges, and your love to people around you. In so many ways, simply by showing up, you yourself are a gift.

Take that a step further. When we show up with an open mind and heart – something happens within us. Jesus begins to work on us. He begins to bend our wills toward his will, our hearts toward his heart… We surrender our pride…our ego… our need to have control…. And, in that surrender, we find the seeds of wholeness.

One way we offer our lives to Christ is by showing up.

Let us pray: Open our hearts to trust you, O God, and to surrender. Even in our own need, especially in our own need, help us find ways to give and to serve; in Jesus’ name. Amen.