This morning I was sipping coffee and reading my daily devotional. The TV was playing in the background, unwatched, just filling the house with sound. As I was wrapping up my devotional, the voices of Today show hosts announcing Al Roker’s 40th anniversary with NBC caught my attention. 40 years! Okay, I’m tuned in now. Cue the montage of some of Roker’s most memorable moments on the show followed by his co-hosts sharing their special memories of him. One after another, they shared beautiful words. Many of them talked about how supportive and kind Al is on set. Almost all of them talked about how Al treats everyone like family.
Dylan Dreyer shared how Al was one of the first to visit her after the birth of her son. Katie Couric shared how Al was so supportive and caring after her husband died. Hoda Kotb shared that Al visited her in the hospital the day she had surgery for breast cancer. She talked about how he sat and comforted her. Then she said this, “Al shows up. He shows up for life.”
HE SHOWS UP FOR LIFE.
Those words hit me hard, y’all.
This man, who is known by basically every adult in America, shows up for his friends and his work family. This man, who is a successful celebrity, makes time for his friends and his work family. He shows up for life.
You know why those words hit me so hard? Because I’m certainly not doing the best at showing up for life these days. Am I dependable? Sure. If my family or friends call me for help, will I go to them? Absolutely. But, there is definitely a gap between what I am doing and what I should be doing. Gap is probably underestimating the space there…more like a canyon-sized hole. Let’s just say there’s lots of room for improvement.
How did that canyon get there…because it hasn’t been there forever? I used to be a good friend. I used to send birthday cards and handwritten notes. I used to call people to check on them (for real call – on the phone). I used to stop by friends’ homes when I was in the neighborhood. I used to show up for life. So, what happened? Can I be real here? I just kinda stopped doing it. I allow excuses to pad my feelings. When I feel guilt about missing a birthday or not calling a friend, I remind myself how busy I am and that my friends certainly understand because they are busy too.
You know what I realized this morning? Excuses don’t make me a good friend. Showing up for life makes me a good friend. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” There are lots of verses in the Bible about friends, but finding this specific passage is comforting to me. It allows me to see that there have been people in my position for a couple thousand years and it motivates me to be the kind of friend I need to be – the kind of friend that I am going to be again…starting now.
Dear friends who I have been less than a great friend to,
I’m sorry. Things are changing today. I will be the best me that I can be for you.
Sincerely,
C Bass
Sincerely, C Bass 