"Are you kidding me?" I asked.​
"Nope," he said, "but at least I don't have to run the 2-mile!"

My son had just told me his lineup for the track season: the 1600, 800, 4x800, and 4x400. I was exhausted just hearing it. We live in a small town with a small school, so track competitors have to max out their events—but this seemed extreme. Well, to me at least.

My son, though, was fine with it. He knew that running this slate of races meant sacrificing his best times in any one event, but it would help his team score points. And he was willing. More than willing—so long as he didn’t have to run the 2-mile race. (I didn’t point out that with this lineup, he’d actually be running 2.25 miles.)

The thing is, my son isn’t the best distance runner. He’s not the fastest or the strongest. But he is willing. Willing to show up. Willing to give what he has. Willing to do what’s needed, even if it’s not comfortable or easy.

He taught me something. Sometimes I hold back because I know I’m not the best, or because I can’t do something perfectly. I hesitate, wanting to do it well or at least feel more capable or qualified. But what if willingness matters more than perfection?

How many times do we miss out on something meaningful because we’re afraid of not measuring up? We convince ourselves that if we can’t be the strongest, the smartest, the most talented, then maybe we should leave it for others to do.

But faith isn’t about being the best. It’s about being willing.

Willing to take the next step.
Willing to show up, even when we’re unsure.
Willing to trust that God can do something with what we have, even if it’s not perfect.

Some of the greatest things in life aren’t accomplished by the most talented people—they’re accomplished by those who simply show up and refuse to give up. Maybe we can all learn from his example and show up and refuse to give up.

My wish for you this week, Reader, is to show up where life is calling you. Are you being nudged to try something new or to do something you're not great at? Instead of focusing on your ability - or inability - focus on your willingness and trust God with the rest. You never know where you might find some grace. My son's willingness inspired others and he didn't have to run the 800 (his least favorite race). When we step forward in faith, good things can happen. That's the fiLLLed life.

Live a fiLLLed life, Melissa ​