The Power of Showing Up

The Power of Showing Up

by

Charles Ligon

Good morning!   I will never forget what a young lady said to me as we both stood in a line outside a building on the East Carolina University campus years ago. Along with scores of others, we waited in line to take a graduate-level test that would hopefully help us to gain entry into our respective programs of interest. She said to me, "You know, when it comes to pursuing your education, I've found that if you you show up, wait in line, pay your money, and jump through the hoops they require of you, you can earn just about any degree you want!" It may not be quite that simple but I do agree that showing up is HUGE in whatever it is that you are pursuing in life, especially as it relates to your vocation and calling.

Cal Ripken, Jr., the legendary Major League Baseball player and former 3rd basemen/shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, broke a record that may not be broken itself for decades to come. On Sept. 6, 1995, Ripken started and played in his 2,131st consecutive game breaking a 56-yr-old recored set by Lou Gehrig. As Ripken trotted onto the field in the first inning of that game, the crowd roared in deep admiration and appreciation for his tenacity, dependability, and faithfulness. For 22 uninterrupted minutes, tens of thousands stood up, applauded, whistled wildly, and screamed commendations to the guy who didn't miss a game for more than 13 years in a row. (His streak didn't end until he had played 2,632 games consecutively... 17 seasons!) Ripken had not hit a game-winning grand slam that day. He wasn't winning another World Series crown nor earning the League's MVP award. What he was doing, however, was simply showing up for his job...again. His teammates nicknamed him Iron Man en route to his record.

While we talk much about integrity, excellence, professionalism, a servant's heart (etc.), the obvious is simple consistency in showing up; being on the scene when the job demands it and our co-workers expect us. One of the greatest contributors in building a steely-strong workplace testimony is showing up to fulfill the duties of your profession, day after day after day after day...

Today's Workplace Challenge: Go to work! Of course you're tired. But show up at work as you are scheduled today. Let your consistency be one of your strong points at work. Half the battle will be won by simply getting there! If you "hit a home-run" today, great! And if you don't, by showing up you were still in the game and doing what the Coach asked of you. Do this every day of your work-life, and you're sure to be a champion for Christ in more ways than you'll ever be able to count! "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1b) Have an awesome day!