January 18, 2024

 Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Yes? I’m here.”
1 Samuel 3:4

Not long ago, I received a call from the pastor of a local church. The pastor said their congregation was upset with a few statements put out by the national setting of our church. So a few days later, I went over to their church and spoke with their leaders. We spent over an hour in sacred conversation, carefully listening to one another.

At one point in the conversation, a participant asked how this could have happened.

“Well,” I said, “the statements were guided by resolutions passed at previous General Synods. These resolutions resulted from a process that depends on us showing up at different times and places. Have you shown up at recent association meetings?” I asked.

They hadn’t.

“Have you shown up at recent Conference annual meetings?”

They hadn’t.

“Did you show up at General Synod by following the proceedings online or in print?”

They hadn’t.

Reflecting on the conversation on my way home that night, I realized something important. One of the most important things we can do in life is show up. The simple act of showing up establishes a web of relationships that holds us together through challenging times.

That’s why I love Samuel’s call story so much. For the text tells the story of a boy who was asleep in his cozy bed in the middle of the night when he heard a call. He could have done what many of us would have done - ignored the call and stayed put – but he didn’t. He showed up. Not once. Not twice. But three times! And because of his willingness to show up, God accomplished amazing things.

I know it can be hard to show up at those times or places where our presence doesn’t seem to matter. We might skip a meeting, for instance, because we tell ourselves we have more important things to do. As a result, the group fails to hear our unique perspective voiced and makes less-informed decisions. We might emotionally withdraw from a relationship when a conflict arises, telling ourselves, “I don’t need this hassle.” As a result, we miss a chance to grow closer by facing the challenge together. We might fail to cast a vote in an election, justifying our inaction by saying, “What difference does one vote make anyway?” As a result, we are forced to endure policies that threaten the well-being of ourselves or a loved one. All these things happen when we fail to show up.

As we embark on a new year full of important moments when crucial matters will be decided, I encourage you to follow Samuel’s example and show up when God calls. For God will use your powerful presence and unique voice to make the world a more beautiful and just place.