The Art of Juggling
posted on April 16th, 2010 / by Bethani Funderburk / 11 CommentsSo this is the third day in a row that I’ve woken up hearing a familiar, yet annoying song in my head. You know the song … it is usually the background music for the scene in a movie that is sped up for dramatic effect indicating a lot of activity in a short amount of time. It can also be heard as circus clowns enter the center ring … tripping, juggling, flipping, falling. Actually the music perfectly matches the recent pace of my life. No major changes have occurred … just a season of life in which one activity overlaps the next.
Hmmm … the juggling clown, I think I can relate to him. He keeps everything from tennis balls to machetes to flaming torches circling above his head in perfectly timed rhythm. All the while, the other clowns execute a series of well choreographed near misses that could cause him to lose focus. Faintly, through the frenetic music, I hear the gentle voice of the Lord begin to speak to me. My first thought is that I have no interest in taking up yet another hobby that will eventually be put aside. So I listen more closely to what He is saying. Yes, He is asking me to become a juggler. You see, I’m one of those people who prefer to take on a task and complete it without interruption. But life rarely allows that to happen. So I can choose to become frustrated by that or move on to the next task calmly. Unfortunately my family would testify that frustration is usually my first response. The Lord is asking me to come to a place where I move effortlessly from one event to another with grace and ease knowing that in time, all things will circle back around. As I think about the act of juggling, I’m struck by the position of the juggler. No matter how many objects are in the air, be they bowling balls, knives or flaming hula hoops, the juggler never looks directly at them. His head is usually tilted up and his eyes are fixed upward on a point that centers the activity encircling him. As long as his eyes are focused on the center point he is able to see and control all that is going on around him. If he dares shift his attention from that center point to one object, he risks losing his momentum, causing everything to come crashing down around him.
The truth is we are all jugglers in the circus of life. We all have different acts to perform…some on tight ropes, others on horseback or in big floppy shoes. We all struggle to balance work, family, children, church, self. Perhaps we should consider that what we call distraction is often the Lord giving us another opportunity to trust Him. The juggler is so totally focused on the center point that though he must be fully in control of each object as it passes through his hands, he also lets it go with ease. He knows that he must be prepared to receive the next object which is equally important to the success of his performance. If he becomes too obsessed with the beautiful colors in the fire of the flaming torch – he will be burned by the one that follows. Our center point should always be the face of God. Psalm 105:4 encourages us … ”Look to the Lord and to His strength; seek His face always.” In doing so, not only will our projects, tasks, and events be completed. We will also!
The hurried, wordless background music I’ve been hearing has changed. I now hear the beautiful words to a comforting song I learned as a little girl. They are “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Bethani [beth-uh-knee] noun – (1) wife, homeschool mom, writer, teacher, friend. (2) An “intropsective extrovert” who equally enjoys quiet moments of reflection and hours of exhilarating laughter with friends. Her love for words and unique sense of humor allow her to see and cleverly express the ways in which she finds God as He hides in the details of her life.
You can also read more by Bethani at: http://www.bethanifun.blogspot.com
Bethani,
Your words have always been a sweet sound to my ears however, these have brought me to tears! Awesome word picture of what the Father wants us all to do when things get crazy.
I love that you are in my circle of life to remind me to keep my head up and tilted toward the one who keeps everything center!
Great job! Can't wait for more
Love you,
Penny
Bethani- You do have a way with words! As moms we all have seasons, and some are much busier than others. Its true, when we get our eyes on all that we have to do, it can seem overwhelming. But, when our eyes are on the Author and perfecter of our faith- not only do we seem to get much done, but we can actually enjoy it! Thanks for this post! Blessings! Celeste
Awe, so very well said. Thank you! Jessica N
Bethani,
This was so timely for me to hear, as I’m walking in a season of extra craziness! I, too, typically respond with frustration first. I’m challenged now to respond with grace and peace. Thank you for hearing God, and writing it down so eloquently. I’ve been so blessed to have you in my life!
Love,
Karen
Thank you so much! This came at the perfect time for me. Moving from one thing to another with grace (not frustration!) is what speaks to me the most. ~ Anna
Bethani, this is a great word picture that is beautifully practical. Thanks–you have spoken to where I am with simple truth I can hold onto and remember. Thanks for writing for DIB!
As I read this- enjoying the word pictures and the rhythm of the words used- I found myself looking forward to the reward that comes after getting to savor a DIB blog- the revealing of the writer. I smiled to see your bright face as I have always enjoyed your written voice. It once came to my life through LG lessons & now through this blog. Keep it going there is a gifting upon you we would miss if you ever stopped.
Sooooo good! I love that you said we have to keep our eyes always on the face of God! So easy to say, not so easy to do. Thanks for the reminder! It was timely for me too!
I loved it Bethani! I have definitely had many days where I felt like I was balancing a stack of plates on my nose while trying to change a diaper while trying to get someone a snack while trying to help my husband with something over the phone while trying to not pull my hair out! So so true about where we HAVE to keep our focus. Only He can bring peace and order on the inside of us in the midst of all that Mommy chaos happening on the outside of us! Definitely keeping my eyes on Him because it really hurts when all those plates come crashing down on my face!
Love you and I'm ever so thankful for you!
Good word, Bethani~
It is a good perspective changer… as the word 'juggling' can make me feel stressed, I love the way you said the Lord is asking you to move from one event to another with grace… so good!!! I tend to get frustrated, too, and this is helpful.
He is so good~
I am kind of learning that act too lately. God's definitely been up to something lately as He seems to be teaching me that as I give out He will continue to pour into me. This has not been a season of hiding away with Him, but of stepping out. But there is always grace for whatever He calls me too. Thankful for your obedience and fun blog!