ATTENDANCE - Jan. 7th, 2008

Our days normally require much of us. As a result, we spend much of our days attempting to prioritize what we can or cannot do or where we can or cannot go. When Beverly and I were in the maze of raising our three children, there were actually times when we were supposed to be in two places at once. Many times, we had to "divide and conquer". Beverly would go one way. I would go another and hopefully at the end of the day we would have successfully "attended" to all of life's requirements. I guess that's the life of parenting.
One thing I have learned about attendance. It's hugely important on any level. Our kids just want to know we care enough to show up. Showing up is huge!
I'm sure you know I'm not simply giving early morning parenting tips.

What happens if we don't show up for work?
What happens if we don't show up for a court date?
What happens if we don't show up for a business appointment?
What happens if you don't show up at home after work?
What happens if we don't show up for surgery?

I think you get the picture I'm attempting to paint. It's hugely important to, at the very least, show up for life's high priority responsibilities. You may have no actual duties to perform at your child's recital but your presence is profoundly important. The secret to attending is found in the obvious. Priorities. We normally show up for what we believe to be important.
Just showing up is a mega phone of great communication. Sadly, not showing up communicates an even louder more obvious message.
Many years ago, I was scheduled to speak at a Valentine Banquet at a particular restaurant on a particular highway. I showed up...waited...saw the banquet hall with all it's decorations, slowly peeked at the itinerary of events for the evening and quickly discovered I was not the special guest for the night! I was attending the wrong banquet! I showed up at the wrong place!
What have you been showing up for that really has no eternal value or lasting impact?
Who have you left waiting in the wings that really needed you to just show up in their behalf?
When today's rolls are called over the events of today's eternal purposes, will you be able to say "present and accounted for"?
There's some things that simply require you to show up.
Aren't you glad I didn't quote Hebrew 10:25?

Wanna meet me here in he morning?
Sam