It was as if the breath was stilled in the room. Twice I heard this question this week, “what is the point?” I had to pause as I quieted the same internal question and sat with hurting people. I’ve asked that question more than a few times in my life. It’s a question asked at times of sorrow, confusion and frustration. A legitimate question when we are overwhelmed with the unexpected or challenging turns of life. I’ve asked it when sitting with teenage girls in detention, offering them what little I can. I’ve asked it when my efforts to change a hurt or a system are rendered useless. I’ve even asked it in small things like, what’s the point of this exercise.

As I wrestle with that question I hear the underlying need to experience “meaning.” A core human need is to know that our life has meaning. And we typically measure meaning by visible results that say we have succeeded.

Living a meaningful life is not dependent upon what you accomplish. I suggest to you that living a meaningful life means you “show up.” Independent of results, you show up. You express and live out of who you are. That expression is exactly what God needs and designed you to express. And the richest expression of a meaningful life is seen through connection.

• The artist who painted the picture that connects to my heart – showed up.

• The singer who releases his passion in that song that reminds me of hope – showed up.

• The person who sent me a card saying they thought of me today – showed up.

• The friend who looked deeply and directly into my eyes – showed up.

All simple connecting expressions that bring meaning to the giver and receiver.

Go show up today! Your life and the connections you make by showing up are the point!