Henri Nouwen tells a story about his love of the circus. When he was a small boy, his father took him to the circus that was touring Germany. There were lions and tigers, but what thrilled him the most was the high wire act. Three of five family members twirled through the air. They were breathtaking. The other two had the role of catching the twirlers. Henri later had the opportunity of speaking with the three stars telling them how much he admired their performance. He then asked them whom did they most admire. They said they most admired the catchers. They themselves were not able to catch the hands of the catchers. They simply had to trust that while they were beginning to fall, the catchers would grasp their hands.
Henri saw a connection between this wonderful circus act and the living of the spiritual life. When we think that we are totally responsible for our own spiritual growth, we can become disillusioned. Like the circus artists, we cannot think that we are in total control. When we feel that our spiritual growth is totally our own responsibility, we can feel frustrated that task is too much for us. Better we have the trust in God to let go and let God bring us to the place that we long for. “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
- Does the circus life have anything to say to you?
- What do you find most difficult in living the Christian Life?”
- Does putting yourself in God’s hands seem helpful in living a Christian life?”
O God, help me have enough trust to put my life into your hands.