I was recently taken aback one Sunday after church when a man in his early thirties said to me, “I’m so proud of you.”
“You are?”
I couldn’t fathom why he’d be proud of me. He was about the age of my own children. Shouldn’t I be saying that to him? I hadn’t seen him for well over a year, and only a handful of times in the last ten years.
“Yeah,” he replied. “I’m so proud of you and this church. You’re always here. It doesn’t matter what happens or how many people come and go, you’re still here.”
We laughed. But it made me think.
How often do we just keep showing up, doing our thing, thinking nobody notices? How many times have I wondered if what I do matters to anyone but me? So often it seems the results are lackluster.
That’s where the fine art of faithfulness shines brightest. When nothing noteworthy seems to be happening, when the status quo lasts much longer than expected, when you keep putting one foot in front of the other, when you keep believing that showing up to do what you do matters–that’s faithfulness. It isn’t shiny or sparkly. It’s ordinary and mundane.
And beautiful.
Everyone is faithful to something or someone. Most of us are faithful to a number of things, like our faith, marriage, or family. Whatever we devote ourselves to shows the deepest part of our hearts. It’s the seat of our passion, our greatest love. It’s the motivation to our faithfulness. We act out of that deep love by showing up time and time again.
Faithfulness is powerful. It cements marriages, garners respect, lays life foundations, sets an example. Surprisingly, it isn’t invisible. People see it and honor those who possess it. So never wonder if your faithfulness matters.
It does. And it’s life changing.
Linda
Beautiful Linda. This is so encouraging.
LikeLike
Thank you, Betty. The little things in life mean a great deal!
LikeLike
Beautiful story, wonderful message. Faithfulness is one of the ways we mirror our Father. Lovely pictures.
LikeLike
Thanks, Andrea. Yes, faithfulness is one of God’s attributes! The pictures are from Rollin and my vacation to Grand Cayman last year. A beautiful place!
LikeLike
so true. There is great satisfaction in doing the right thing–showing up, sticking with it.
LikeLike
Indeed there is, Jane. It’s a good feeling. Thanks for being one of our faithful readers.
LikeLike
Linda this touched my heart. When all the pomp and glory are over and we think these are the ingredients for success, it’s really nothing compared to “just showing up.” Being there when maybe no one else will. Faithfulness mirrors our loving Father as He is always faithful to us. He always shows up. Thanks, Linda for reminding us in such a real way.
Judy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Judy. I think of long marriages that are such a beautiful picture of faithfulness. Everyone respects and admires that. But there are so many others areas of life where we can be faithful. I think it really does mirror our Father. Thanks for your sweet comment.
LikeLike