Showing Up

The room was filled with parents.
Metal folding chairs were set up in the back of the room to accommodate them.
It was a day of presentations…each child giving their report.

I watched as the children saw their mom or dad come through the door.
An enormous wave…a smile…pointing so their friend could see who belonged to them.
The parent equally proud…waving back…too grown up to point.

There would always be that one child who didn’t have someone walk through the door.
You could feel the palpable disappointment, the head turning, eyes darting…just in case.
Teachers do the best they can and often implement a buddy system.

Another parent is the surrogate supporter for the day.
Another parent cheers for you in their place.
Another parent.

As my children grew, I witnessed this over and over.
I was even that “other parent” from time to time.
I decided then and there the importance of one thing.

Just show up!

Of course, there are always extenuating circumstances.
Of course, there are legitimate reasons you cannot be there.
But if you can…you must!

Just show up!

The child’s face brightens; their countenance changes.
In an instant, they are tangibly shown how very special they are to you.
They perform better because there is someone in their corner.

Everyone needs an Amen Corner!
A little pocket of people that is a personal cheering section.
It makes the world of difference.

We have gone through many graduations in our family.
Preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school celebrations.
High school, college, and graduate school.

Each and every time, despite the number of names, there is only one you are looking for.
No matter how many graduates ceremonially walk, there is only one face you want to see.

The Amen Corner…that showed up!

My son had the brilliant idea of having an air horn at his sister’s college graduation.
As long as it does not go off in someone else’s ear…
As long as it is facing upward…

The names were being read as the graduates came forward for their diploma.
My son assured us that he was the expert…he had this covered.
Air horn in hand, button waiting to be pushed.
Her name was called…NOTHING!

The air horn didn’t work.
In frustration, he quickly pushed the button again.
It went off…for the next name!

The Amen Corner…one name too late!

Just show up for soccer games, baseball games, football games, swim meets.
Just show up for lacrosse games, school plays, orchestra, and chorus concerts.
Just show up for poetry day, award ceremonies, field day.
Just show up!

A time will come, soon enough, when there will be no more need to show up.
The child is grown and gone and beginning their own life, their own family.
If you have done your job well…they will know the importance of showing up.

They will be there for their child…as you were for them.
They will have a little face waiting, watching, pointing, delighted they are there.

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:4-7)

God the Father sent His Son.
God the Father knows the importance of showing up.
Jesus showed up at the perfect time.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken to us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

God the Father has an Amen Corner…His Son, Jesus.
Can you imagine the Father’s delight when we wave, smile, and point.
There He is…my Lord Jesus.

He came for me!
No surrogate will do!
No one can ever take His place!

Jesus showed up!
The Incarnate Lord!

Jesus will show up again!

Look, He is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7)

The Amen Corner.
We will see Him as He is.
The Glorious importance of showing up.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.  (Revelation 22:20)

 

 

One response to “Showing Up”

1. Great analogy, Gina!

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