Come Watch the Show
I read a Cup of Jo essay a few weeks ago that has stuck with me. The point of the essay is that although there might be several people attending the performance of our lives, there are only a few who have season tickets. Perhaps our parents, our partners, some friends and co-workers have a front seat ticket. In the essay, a women talked about how when her mom died, she felt as if she’d lost her audience; a person who cared if she wore a red sweater or the blue one. Someone who knew about her love of dahlias and her chocolate allergy. The article says, “Feeling witnessed, feeling known, feeling the opposite of alone in this world. How beautiful.”
We all want an audience. Some of us want to be on a literal stage, but everyone wants at least a few people to know us. People who really see us as the imperfect, trying, challenging people we are. I think for most people this person is their mothers, but some of us didn’t have mothers who could show up either figuratively or sometimes literally, or our mothers have passed on, so we rely on others to fill our auditorium. This is where Jesus and Peace church grabs a program and sits down.
Some people at Peace have a front row view to Michelle’s Life and some people are in the balcony. Some people are in the foyer grabbing some popcorn and haven’t made it to the show yet. Wherever you are in my theater, I want you to know that I’m grateful for you showing up. Know that I want to watch your performance, too. I want to know about Peggy DeSeure’s move to California, follow Effie Campbell’s study abroad year in South Korea, and be present for the Holmes family. Thanks for coming, and I hope you enjoy the show!
Creator,
Our lives are unfolding, and you are here with us. Perhaps you’re present in a shared meal, a Facebook or Instagram post, a quick text or phone call. Thank you for being with us as we navigate this challenging existence called human life.
Amen
Michelle is a Program Analyst with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She’s a wife, mother, sister, and friend, a chocolate and coffee lover, reader of books, listener of podcasts, and a travel enthusiast.