Show Up!! IX

Then give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; do not let him leave you, for you need him.

 - From Sirach 38

We take a little detour here, to consider St Luke's Day, which comes up later this week; and read a passage from the Apocrypha. 

Doctors are elevated in this passage. They are to be placed on a prominent position in society, highly honored, and valued. 

Scripture praises certain professions above all others: ministers, teachers, servants, farmers. And here, we have doctors. The service professions are the best. Why is it, then, that we always have so much political discord when it comes to the professions that should be most prized by Christians? It's like anything else . . . if the Church would just do its job, government would not be tempted to come in and take over.

The Show Up aspect is found in today's focus. Do not let Doctors leave you. Keep them nearby. 

The implication on "show up" is that you go where you are needed . . . which we always need extra prompting to do. These are the service professions. They fulfill a need, without necessarily being paid much to do it. 

We do need service professionals. We need teachers, cleaning help, cooks, tailors, ministers, counselors . . . and doctors. The service professions are the Show Up professions. And I would add artists to the list. People that elevate our lives, while expecting very little in return. 

We need to help others anywhere, and everywhere, we can. It takes effort. And we need to value those that do so, as a calling and profession. 

There should be no debate - - - these service professions should be more highly prized than all the others. We could pay them more, and probably discover that they just pump that extra income back into charity, or into our communities. 

You must show up . . . put yourself out there. But you must ask others that can help, to come on into our towns, and even into your homes. Keep them close by.