Have you ever had something strike you funny and you were where no one was laughing?
Years ago, I visited my brother in Chicago where he was living at the time. During my stay, we attended a special service at his church. It makes me laugh now as I remember the horror of getting tickled as I sat in the pew waiting for the meeting to begin. The crowd had gathered, and the service was just moments from starting when I glanced over to the choir loft. In the middle of several hundred chairs sat one lone man with his choir robe on. Anticipating the full sound of music with only one lone participant to do it all triggered my funny bone, and I began to laugh quietly. The more I tried to stop the funnier the whole scene became to me. I tried to change how I was sitting in hopes it would help me refocus, but the body language told it all as I wiggled and squirmed with my shoulders shaking. My increasing giggles now became laughter. Tears fell from my eyes as I made eye contact with my brother, and it only got worse. I leaned over to explain my embarrassing outburst and whispered, “Did volunteers forget to sign up this year for the choir?” He began to laugh quietly too as the whole pew shook. I kept thinking, “Get this service started with a song so we can help out the poor, lone choir member.”
Amazingly, as I think about it, life is about showing up. I learned later that the lone choir member took his seat early because of a foot injury, but soon he was joined by the rest of the choir. In spite of his challenge, he had positioned himself to be ready.
It does not take courage to walk with the crowd, think like the crowd and blend into the crowd. The majority of mankind merely takes their place in the seat of life but neglect to “show up” emotionally and with their full heart. Going through the motions is not the same as taking your position in life. Wherever you are today—be all the way there. Don’t wait for others to help you do what you know to do. Don’t let others think for you. Show up in life and begin to live. Show up at work and be an asset to your corporation. Show up at home and engage with those who share your DNA. Show up and be ready to do the task at hand.
There might be others who are watching that might be tickled or amused at your position, but remain focused and positioned for the next song in life. Sing it loudly.
What about you? Are you faithful to show up no matter the obstacles? Do you have the courage to stand alone no matter what the rest do?
When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!