The Blessing of Showing Up

If you don’t go, you won’t have the story to tell.

The advice above resonated with me because I’m an introvert in a family of introverts. Not only do I have to convince myself to show up, but I have to convince others.

I’m usually glad when I go and regret the times I don’t, but one place I didn’t want to be brought a story I have told.

During August 2003, my mother was in intensive care. Hard, necessary decisions about her care had to be made. I didn’t want to be present at those conversations. I didn’t want others, known to be contentious and irrational, to be present either. Cowardly, I prayed that God would remove the situation. My back up prayer was that if I went, others wouldn’t. God said no to both.

I expected maturity from one relative and received more. He showed wisdom and backed it with Scripture. The usually difficult relatives were thoughtful and respected others’ opinions. My mother’s doctor gave a perspective I have thought about repeatedly and seen to be correct. The unexpected, sweet unity was a blessing that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. A story worth showing up to receive.