The Greatest Show on Earth

There are times when I wake up with a tune in my head. (Admittedly, it's usually an 80's tune that finds it's way into my head for a "blast from the past" or a Christian music tune that sets the tone for the day.)

This was a different tune. I couldn't quite figure out where God was going with this one.

You all know the tune. You've heard it since you were a kid...every year when the CIRCUS came to town.

"da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, duh..."
(Click here if you can't get the tune in your head)
You've GOT to be kidding...

THE CIRCUS TUNE?

Where could God possibly be going with this.

The next thing I knew I had visions of cotton candy and peanuts dancing in my head, but I began to see a few things in a way I'd never seen them before.

I am the Ringmaster (sans the top hat and sequins) of this family and we have considerably more than 3 rings in this show of ours.

I juggle too. I juggle schedules, laundry piles, menus, bills and holidays.

I tightrope walk. This Circus has 2 adolescent girls, and some testosterone too; a tightrope walker is a MUST.

I've also been known to tame a few lions and breathe a little fire as well.

~LIFE IS A CIRCUS....~

Daily juggling acts, taming wild beasts, teetering on the edge and balancing acts are all part of this daily life we lead. In a word, it's a circus without the lights of the Big Top flashing.

THEN it occurred to me, there are also CLOWNS! You know the ones who ride in on silly mini cars, with big shoes and bright noses. Those clowns make the Circus complete.

Those clumsy, colorfully clad clowns make us LAUGH. Perhaps God wanted me to notice the "CLOWNS" in my life today. Those moments or people that make me smile or even laugh out loud! While our days are filled with balancing acts and juggling, the clowns bring us JOY!

Where is the pure JOY in your life? The moments that bring a smile to your face, you know the moments I mean, BIG SMILE moments.

These joys surround us every day.

It's in the knock-knock joke of an 8 year old...
In an unannounced surprise chocolate bar hand delivered from a friend...
In a hug from the man you married many years ago...
In a handwritten note from a far away friend...

Daily life can be a Circus, filled with dizzying distractions and balancing acts, but Scripture reminds us,

While Ringling Brothers lays claim to the "Greatest Show on Earth," we rest in the peace that "THE GREATEST SHOW" is yet to come...

Father,
Most days my life resembles a Circus. Circus life can be dizzying. The daily balancing acts and juggling can overcome me. Help me to notice the JOYS that come from You. As I go about my daily life I humbly ask you to be my "Ringmaster" in the Circus of life. Father, guide my ways, guard my words and open my eyes to the Joys that I often miss. Help me Father to see my life as "the greatest show on earth."
Amen

Questions for Reflection:

Do you ever feel as though your life is a Circus?

How can you become more aware of JOY moments sent into your life by God?

Join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she can be found daily in the Center Ring.