Happy Friday, Friends!
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
How in the heck is it already October?
I'm part of a mentoring program with our local high school called STRIVE – Students Take a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education. I love this program and interacting with the students. Each year starts with what they call “speed dating.” Mentors sit at tables, and students have two minutes with each mentor. They ask one question: “Why do you want to mentor me?” After they meet and visit with all the mentors, they list the 3-5 people they would like to have as their mentor. Late last week, I spoke with the person who oversees the program. He said, “I don’t know what you said to the students, but every single one of them chose you to be their mentor.” Oh, I know what I said, and I know why they chose me—I felt it as it was happening.
It was the first or second student who came to see me that day. She asked me the question, and I replied, “I want to encourage, empower, and equip you to become all you can become as you pursue your goals and dreams.” She then asked, “What does that look like?” And I said, “Always showing up for you – on the good days and the bad ones.” She had a visual reaction. Understanding how much that meant to her, and my vow to show up every day, I shared that same pledge with every other student. It's not hard to figure out why they all chose me as their mentor; don’t we all want someone who will always show up for us?
I remember when my Tender Warriors were young, I felt so inadequate as a dad. I got mad and irritated about things too easily. I was always in a hurry. I was trying to figure out how to be a godly man, husband, father, leader, and friend all at the same time, and I felt like a gerbil on a wheel! But the one thing I was completely committed to, good day or bad day, was showing up. And I did! It wasn't always convenient, it wasn’t always what I wanted to do, and sometimes I really didn't want to be where I was. However, I do want my Beautiful Bride and boys to know that if it is humanly possible, I will always be there for them.
And I have been blessed – yes, blessed, though some of this came during the most challenging times of my life – that life has allowed me to prove it to them. Kathy had a serious medical issue while I was at football practice – I was the Head Coach – and I sprinted out of practice to go home to my wife. Another time she needed me while I was sitting in a Board of Trustees meeting – the governing body of my institution – and I left to be with her. And while those are grander examples, and it was critically important to me that I showed up for her in those times because I do truly believe she is my greatest earthly calling and priority, I have found it is in the day-to-day, smaller moments that love is genuinely expressed, and those who need us most feel valued, appreciated, safe, and secure. I get that you would like to go play golf, sit around and watch football, sleep in, or whatever. I beg you, please show up for the people in your life – not based on your wants, needs, desires, etc., but based on theirs. Perhaps you have a tee time tomorrow morning, but your spouse or one of your children has something challenging happen this afternoon. Maybe the greatest thing you can do is cancel the tee time and just hang out with them. “But they don’t want to talk to me, Kevin.” So? It isn’t about you. It is about them. And it is about them knowing that you are there, that you will always be there, even if it means sitting in complete silence.
And please, don’t be one of those people who only shows up when things are good. You know the type? Me too. I don’t need you to show up and pat me on the back when things are going well – though we all enjoy appreciation too. I really need you to show up when I am grinding away, and nothing seems to be going my way. Show up then! Isn’t that what you want, too? We all do.
So that is it, Friends; I challenge us to always show up! Whether it's your spouse, children, friends, or co-workers – any people that you are blessed to have in your life. You don’t have to know it all, have all the answers, be able to fix anything, etc. You just have to show up and be fully present. That truly is the greatest gift we can give another.
“Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up – to be present, to
listen, to offer a helping hand, or just to let someone know they aren’t alone.” - Unknown
“Your presence is a promise; it speaks louder than words ever could.” – Unknown
“Showing up isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.” – Unknown
Please feel free to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Please cherish your precious family, be kind, and stay well.
Kev
