We made our way to the big top…expecting excitement.
Two rows behind the one ring soon to be filled with tigers, elephants, camels and a woman swinging high on a trapeze.
Our anticipation was rewarded.
Eyes enlarged. Unable to take in all. In awe.
Truly…death-defying acts performed before us. Stunts done without mats. Angry tigers. Kids delighted. I cringed. Unsure if we should’ve been watching. I was waiting for the worst.
Performers risked life and limb to create the experience (and I know money too). We were on the edge of our seat.
After twirling…holding on only by her teeth over a floor with no mat at the top of the big top…the woman lifted her arms for applause. The applause left me wanting more for her.
At least 500 people and that was it. I looked around and saw more people untouched than in awe. I saw popcorn shoved and peanuts cracked. Little acknowledgement that a woman just risked her life for a job and a show.
I wanted to stand up and ask for more. Why are people apathetic in light of what just happened? Are we…as a culture…so surrounded by stimulation and action that…this…even this leaves many of us flat?
This experience has haunted me.
Perhaps it is because I have related it to the spiritual world.
I wondered…even as I sat there…if this is the way I am before God.
Sometimes I go about life under the big top…walking with God…expecting to see His hand at work doing marvelous things. I wait and watch and am amazed. Eyes wide.
Sometimes I go about it just the opposite.
This life…my life…the one someone layed down his life for…becomes blah.
God does something really cool and I am too busy waving my own light-up wand to notice him. Or I’m just too busy cracking peanuts to even see it.
When I should be expecting God’s help and hand active and amazing…I cringe and expect the worst to happen.
When I’m not fully aware of what’s happening in God’s show…under His big top…I lose joy.
So what is the answer for more passion in my walk with the Lord? What is the rememdy for an inattentive heart? For you if you experience the same?
We must do what we already know:
1.Wait (be expectant)
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. – Psalm 130: 5-6
2.Watch (be aware)
O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. – Psalm 59:9
3.Write (make note in my mind or on paper in order to remember)
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16 When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. 17 The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. 18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. -Psalm 77:11-20
4.Wave (give a hand, praise, give thanks)
8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually! -1 Chronicles 16:8-11
Hurry…Hurry…step right up! See the amazing God of creation work in our lives!
Will you begin to begin again with me today? I’m praising Him with you today…
I’m linking up today with:
This is great! Such a cool, fresh (and TRUE!) perspective! Loved the 4 W’s for us to follow 🙂 Glad I found you via GDWJ link up. You sure blessed me today.
Thanks for the note and for stopping by! Loved your post today too…
I always struggle with just waiting which muddles up all the rest if the rest of the actions. Beautiful illustration.
I agree…waiting is the hardest part! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for sharing dear friend! This is beautiful! I’m speechless……blessings!
Thanks Misty…you’re sweet 🙂 Thanks for stopping by…