I GOT THIS... I GOT THIS... OOPS! - I DON'T GOT THIS!!!
When I was a little girl, my parents took me to the circus every year. I remember the overwhelming scent of a combination of popcorn and hay. There were three rings with non-stop action! I remember trying to keep up with the activity in all three rings at once. My friend Pete was a juggler and when he performed he got my full attention. I've always been fascinated with jugglers because it takes so much coordination to keep objects moving like that. Pete was so good at juggling and told me that he devoted his entire life to his craft. Like anything in life a person wants, it takes patience to juggle and a great deal of practice.
Pete could juggle literally anything - give him five, six or even seven of almost anything and he would have them moving in no time. He made it seem so easy and effortless. He's very proud of the fact that he can juggle - and he should be. He's been with the circus nearly 30 years now. If there was a black belt in juggling, he would have one.
Sometimes everyday life can seem like a juggling act, can't it? Things seem to be going along fine when one day - you drop one of the balls and it messes up the rhythm that you worked hard to get established. You have to stop, pick them up, and start all over again.
When it seems like I've got my routine down and it works, life goes more smoothly than when I find out that something is a bit "off". Change is inevitable and a part of life but there are some changes that come along and completely knock you off your game. Those are the changes that can rock your world - not necessarily in a good way.
I'm thankful for the joy that comes with juggling everything in my life. Things can be a little hectic and chaotic but you still feel a sense of purpose in it and experience real joy. I'm okay when I'm juggling stuff because I know God has me in His strong Hands and won't give me anything that He won't help me handle.
This is not a journey that will ever be smooth as silk - and I know that. But it's one that I would not trade for anything in the world. I'm not a great juggler - once in a while I drop everything, have to go pick it up and begin again.
I try to remember that perfection is unattainable and flawless living is futile. God is there helping me and forgives the wrong I do when I ask. I have to pick the balls up and juggle again. To leave them on the floor motionless is the real sin.
Keep juggling - joyfully juggling. Find humor where you can and laugh when you get an opportunity. Be happy and find joy as you juggle along in life.
As Pete says, "When life hands you lemons, juggle them!" I'll bet you can't juggle and keep your mouth shut!!!
Thank you Vanessa Renee Kemp for sharing this poem.
It is dedicated to all my Type 1 Diabetic friends:
Acceptance
Kids want to be different, to stand out in a crowd,
Some dye their hair colours, some dress very loud.
They want to be noticed, they want their own voice,
Well, I’m certainly different; and it wasn’t my choice. My body’s not pierced; my hair is quite plain,
You can’t see my difference, but it’s there just the same.
Some want to be different; most have thought, some have tried,
But I’ve got a difference I’ve tried a lifetime to hide.
When you choose to be different, it’s exciting and new,
If you’re forced without option, we all tend to lose.
The trick to this life is to play your cards well,
Every difference is unique; I’ve heard them all tell.
But saying is one thing, to accept quite another,
We all face a challenge, one way or the other.
My difference was not chosen, I hadn’t a say,
'D' wasn’t my choice, and it won’t go away.
I look very normal, but as hard as I’ve tried,
My difference was great; it was too hard to hide.
So little by little, soon I started to see,
Acceptance must start, and begin here with ME.
I won’t hide in shame, for I’ve done nothing wrong,
We all have a difference, and it makes us all strong.
In an effort to deny and to hide whom you are,
Your life becomes tangled; you don’t get very far.
So accept and move on, you can deal with 'D',
There’s no need to hide, you are strong, you will see.
Your friends will not judge you, be honest and true,
To begin this long journey, you must accept you!
It’s hard to expose all your thoughts and your fears,
But this process of growing will save many a tear.
For it’s harder to hide and to watch from afar,
Than it is to accept and just be who you are.
*No copyright-protected material used.
Love the poem!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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