Why Showing Up, Exactly As You Are, Is Always Enough
Why Showing Up, Exactly As You Are, Is Always Enough
Oh, honey, you know the feeling, don’t you? That internal tug-of-war when the calendar reminds you of a commitment, but your mirror shows a woman who just survived another morning. Maybe you’re running a little late, your hair is… well, let’s just say it’s living its best, unbrushed life, and your outfit is a miracle of clean laundry rather than a fashion statement. And for a second, a tiny voice whispers, "Maybe just cancel. No one will really miss you. Or they’ll just notice the mess."
I’ve heard that voice more times than I can count. As a working wife and a mom to an amazing adult child, life often feels like a constant juggling act. Some days, just getting out the door feels like a gold medal achievement. But through all the years, all the almost-missed moments, I’ve learned a profound truth: showing up, even when you feel completely undone, is almost always the best decision.
The Power of Just Being There
There was a Thanksgiving potluck a few years back, just before the big day itself. Our friends host a casual gathering, a little pre-feast fellowship. I’d had one of those weeks – a huge project deadline, a minor plumbing emergency, and a disagreement with my husband that had left me feeling raw. I truly just wanted to curl up with a blanket and disappear.
I called my friend, almost on the verge of tears, to say I couldn't make it. And she, bless her heart, simply said, "Oh, sweetie, just come. Even if you're late. Even if you come in your sweats. Just come. We just want to see your face."
Her words were a gentle balm. I ended up pulling myself together enough to throw on some clean jeans and a sweater. My hair got a quick once-over with a brush, but it was far from perfect. I was about 30 minutes late. But when I walked in, it wasn't the perfection they noticed. It was me. The hugs were warm, the laughter was easy, and the food, as always, was delicious. I felt seen, loved, and fully accepted.
Grace Over Glamour, Presence Over Polish
That evening reminded me that our truest value isn't in our polished exterior or perfect timing. It’s in our presence, our willingness to connect and share in humanity, even the messy parts. It’s about offering what we have, not what we think we should have.
God doesn’t ask us to be perfect. He asks us to be present. He meets us right where we are, with all our unbrushed hair and tired hearts. There’s a beautiful verse in Matthew that comes to mind: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20 NIV) It’s about gathering, about being together, and in that togetherness, His presence is felt. It's not about how we look when we gather, but that we do.
This time of year, as November leads us into Thanksgiving, we’re often focused on gathering. And sometimes, that can feel like another pressure: the perfect meal, the perfectly clean house, the perfectly composed self. But I think the real gratitude comes from the simple act of showing up for each other. For the family dinner, the friend's coffee date, the community event.
The Unexpected Blessings
I’ve seen it time and again. The moment I almost skipped because I felt overwhelmed turned into a deep conversation with my husband I wouldn’t have had otherwise. The parent-teacher conference I dreaded became an encouraging chat about my adult child's past achievements. The quiet church service I nearly missed renewed my spirit in a way I hadn’t realized I needed.
It’s in these moments of brave, imperfect presence that life truly happens. We offer comfort, we receive kindness, and we remind ourselves and others that we’re all just doing our best, navigating this beautiful, chaotic journey together. And that, my sweet friends, is more than enough.
So, the next time that little voice tries to hold you back, remember this: your presence is a gift. Whether you're on time or a little delayed, whether your hair is brushed or magnificently wild, whether you feel ready or completely out of sorts – just show up. You are loved exactly as you are.
Share Your Story
Have you ever felt that nudge to show up, even when you weren't "ready"? What happened when you did? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
#thisisme #aboutme #christianmom #wife #emptynester #simplelifestyle #etsy #artinsciencedesigns
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