Some days I want to paint a 'sandwich' sign and wear it every where I go that says, "Just 'cuz I'm a juggler, don't assume it's children's ministry!"  Don't get me wrong, I love kids.  I'm a teacher, dad, uncle, mentor.  But I love doing routines that have some meat to them:  The woman at the well, the woman who washed Jesus feet, the thief on the cross, world hunger, lonliness, etc.  I like to tackle big issues that leave adults in churches reflective, and leave adults in jails or shelters or rehab. hopeful for the first time in their lives.  Kids' ministry is great, but there are times when it feels like ministry-lite.

Then there's shows like today.  Rose and I went to a public elementary school in Windsor, Maine, where a local church holds an after school AWANA club.  there were probably 30 kids present, and half a dozen faithful women who have been running this club for years.  It was one of those shows where everything went right.  I did a couple of relatvely new routines that have both been about 60% successful, and got them both perfectly.  I did a juggling bit I haven't performed in months, and got it exactly.  Rose was given more responsibility than ever, and stepped up excellently.  As for the message, I believe it was as clear as it's been in our kids' program in quite some time... more focused, more concise.

Lord, forgive me when I feel too important for the audiences you choose to give us.  I pray for more opportunities for adult and teen audiences, but I will be obedient when called to perform for youngsters, too.  And I will seek for joy as I do.