Showing Up

During this morning's church service, we were invited to show up and reminded to be present. The context was spiritual mastery yet I could not help but think that our showing up and being present means more than we realize.

I had the pleasure of participating in the grand opening of Studio C Pilates Fitness, Boerne, TX yesterday. The two women operating the studio have been a part of my teacher training class. We were treated to complimentary NIA and Pilates classes. A reception followed with a beautiful display of wines, berries, meats and cheeses and homemade salsa and hummus.

As the event was winding down, Jean made a point of expressing her sincere gratitude for my being there. Something in her manner conveyed to me that it had meant a great deal more to Jean than I realized that I was there as she was launching this new venture.

It is likely that the emotional residue from my interaction with Jean yesterday magnified the phrases of show up and be present in my minister's lesson today. I have been in Jean's shoes recently, hosting a Ladies Night In and planning Doug's 60th birthday celebration for this weekend. I can identify with the planning, preparation and expense Jean and Dana put forth to ensure their guests had a good experience.

All kinds of invitations are coming our way. An artist sends notice that she will be featured in a gallery opening. A couple will want to share a birthday dinner with you. An admired lecturer writes of a workshop retreat he is leading. A coworker values your company for the debut of a moonlighting business. A friend wants you to join them for a coffee. We can't attend everything we are invited to and invitations are not obligations. But we might be more sensitive to the invitations that are extended to us. We can sense that it is important that we show up as much as we are able to. Our being present matters.

"Movement is life & life is movement." - Studio C Pilates Fitness

"Peace be within you." - Psalms 122:8