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.
Making the Church a Kinder Place
Making Moments Matter … Seize Today
The Sweet Song of Friendship
I just found you, Susie! I have been playing “catchup” with your blog and saw this one this morning. Isn’t God amazing? He knew I needed this today, even if I am five months late arriving to the party! Thank you and keep writing.
Thanks, Dodie!! Much love to you. :)
THANK YOU SUSIE! I love this and I really needed to hear it! Tomorrow I am showing up at work with a new resolve to….be there :)
Love you and thanks for showing up in my inbox :)
Jennifer
PS….The Local has removed their retail and transitioned that side of the restaurant to a bar and more seating for their new dinner service. Kinda sad but the new dinner is wonderful and needed, so….fyi.
Love you, too.
Wishing I could stop by the local and get a bite to eat. ;)
I meant to respond sooner, but I loved this blog. Thanks! I completely agree. If God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, how in the world are we ever going to know how He plans to use us or see what He is going to do, if we don’t show up?
Oh my, you have no idea how much I needed to read this. I too, am a former worrier. God did so much for me helping me to realize that my worry was nothing more than lack of trust in Him. (ouch!) I am constantly amazed that He hung in there with me for so long to get that He is for me. But I also have the “what is happening here? does my involvement matter? is this really what God’s purpose for me?” It’s crazy and such a time waster for me. My new mantra, “show up!” Thanks!
Thanks for being real. I needed to hear that…today!
Thanks. I was wondering the same thing with the ministry that God intrusted me with. Was it making a difference? I spoke to one of the persons that received a card, she was so touched by it. Yes, if one life is touch by God’s Love, then YES we do make a difference. Sometimes we see the difference, and sometimes we are just the sower of the seed. Someone else sees the difference. All Glory To GOD on this one!
Susie,
You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. The enemy has been beating me down w/ that lie of “not enough” for the last few days. In my family, in ministry, in my personal devotions to God…everywhere. I just read your post and started crying. What relief! What freedom!
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
Jessica
That makes me so happy. Thanks so much for letting me know.
Thank you for this wonderful, honest, post. I assure you that you make a difference. Thank you for showing up. The reminder is necessary often for me. I will begin by “showing up” for both husband and son this morning by making them breakfast, then doing the dishes, laundry, and writing. Blessings to you and your page.
Tammy
http://www.abundancefrugal.com/
Twitter: @AbundanceFrugal
:)