By Rev. Tom Thorpe
This excerpt is from his book, Through a Loving Lens: Gentle Observations About Life, Love and God.

Have you ever said no to an invitation just because you didn't want to be bothered? I have. Recently, I've been thinking that maybe I've missed precious opportunities because I didn't show up for them.

I believe it was Woody Allen who said that 70 percent of success is in showing up. As I reflect on this statement, I find myself agreeing with it more and more.

How many opportunities in life do we shy away from, for one reason or another? We may fail to show up because of intimidation, outright fear, the thought that “I couldn't do that,” or even the thought that “this isn't even worth my time.”

Sure, some of the opportunities that present themselves aren't worth our time. As we develop a habit of not showing up, however, I believe we learn to ignore many possibilities that would present valuable opportunities for us had we taken advantage of them.

One of the reasons why I haven't shown up for some opportunities is that I've feared getting trapped, never being able to extricate myself once I've said yes. When you see the youth education director at your church coming toward you in the Fellowship Hall, for example, do you try to find a place to hide? Or, if someone requests a ride to church, do you hesitate to say yes for fear that it will become an “every Sunday” obligation?

… Jesus encouraged his disciples to show up for opportunities to be of service to others, reminding them that in serving others, they were serving God. The disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?” He said to them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Was Jesus right? Can a small kindness really make that great a difference? I reflect on my life and begin to see how small, almost unnoticeable events, made a big difference.

A student spoke with me briefly after an adult education class. She was looking for a new direction. I suggested she ask her minister if any nearby communities might be a good place for a Unity study group. She thanked me. I forgot the conversation until that same student called me several years later and asked me to come and help dedicate her congregation's new church building.

I was astonished! She'd obviously taken what I'd said very much to heart. I had no idea that a brief conversation could lead to such an accomplishment. But isn't that how many wonderful projects begin?

Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away” (Matthew 5:42). I believe Jesus is talking not about giving material things but rather about giving something of ourselves. We give another a gift when we acknowledge him or her as a fellow human and consider that what he or she has to say is worth paying attention to.

When we turn away without recognizing the one who would ask of us as God's child, we risk turning away from a rich blessing.

Show up, pay attention, and respond in love. It's a simple three-step process that applies to any life situation. The first step, the one we must take before anything else can happen, is to show up.