In 2010 I took on a personal challenge to blog every day for exactly 365 days beginning January 1, 2010 and ended December 31, 2010. The concept of Just Show Up was as follows:
I recognize that on any given day there are specific moments that come about not by mere coincidence but providence. I want to keep tabs each day of the conversations, chance meetings, out of the blue phone calls, unforeseen opportunities, and unstoppable tragedies that take place despite our best laid plans. I promise to be honest, concise, raw (but not tacky) in living through the emotional recap of what God does when I decide to show up and be present.
There were days that were a breeze to write about and others that left me facing the computer screen with a blank stare, yet it was those days that probably taught me the most because I had to dig deep and look within to recognize God’s touch in the mundane or my lack of response to Him. Out of 365 days I think there were only a few days that I had to completely miss due to retreats or lack of electricity due to power outages, etc.
In 2011 I opted not to continue the strict 365 day blog and since I have tried to offer reflections as they come. I’ll be honest, there was something to be said for a daily examination of where God showed up or where I was given the gift to show up for Him or lacked in showing up. The accountability was lost and I failed miserably many days this past year.
I even tried my hand at taking Just Show Up to YouTube for a video column and actually received quite a number of responses for a while and then they too slowly stopped ‘showing up’. I realize I do love to help someone work out a problem… I’m all for it if anyone has any questions they want to send my way and I can answer via video blog. Email me at shannonmdeitz@gmail.com. Past video blogs can be found on the Home Page under “Email Shannon” and then click on Shannon’s Video Advice Column or search me on YouTube.
So much can happen in a year, especially if you examine the progress of a chance meeting, unexpected phone call, or a divinely orchestrated introduction that can then lead to an unforeseen opportunity that didn’t even register on your radar that can change the entire course of your life because it turns you more squarely onto God’s path for your journey.
If I was asked what my purpose is in keeping up with this Blog I’d have to say it is not only personally therapeutic (;)) but it is my desire and hope that whatever the lesson or experience I’m going through that day might encourage or give hope and maybe even lead you to examine your own daily blessings.
I might have to revisit another year of Just Show Up… I’ll pray about it. 😉
Blessings
Shannon