We watched the World Cup match yesterday. We're not really sports fans, but we have a lot of friends
who are, so we wanted to have at least a little idea of what all the excitement was about.
As we drove through downtown Merced, there was such a buzz. People were wearing their team
jerseys, families were gathering in restaurants, and friends were coming together to watch the big match. Wherever we went, both teams were represented, and it was genuinely fun to see people enjoying the game together. Merced showed up in a big way! Thank you to all the local businesses that opened their doors and created spaces for people to gather.
I've never quite understood the passion people have for sports or the amount of time and energy they
invest in following their teams. But I do love watching people-the camaraderie, the excitement, the shared experience, and the sense of belonging.
It made me think about all the other places where we show up... or don't.
City Council meetings often fill up only when an issue directly affects us. School meetings are much the same. Even in our churches, many of us participate only when it's convenient or when something personally interests us.
What if we showed up for the important things in life with the same enthusiasm we bring to sports?
What if we attended City or County meetings because we cared about the future of our community? What if parents showed up at school meetings with the same passion they bring to the sidelines? What
if we praised God with the same energy we cheer for our favorite team?
The good news is that many people already do show up. They coach youth sports, teach music and art, mentor young people, care for seniors, support foster families, help patients navigate the healthcare system, volunteer at nonprofits, and quietly make our community better every day.
What if each of us chose just one small way to invest in our community? Imagine the difference that could make.
Merced has shown that we know how to gather. Maybe we can bring that same spirit to building the
kind of community we all want to live in.