In the summer (and occaisionally other seasons as well), I get invited to juggle at community events at which I may not do an overtly Gospel show.  I struggled with this early in my career, but I've realized that, as a resident of the small Maine town of Bridgton, it is important sometimes to just be present.  There are times to be light, but there are times to be salt.  I have had a few of these shows already this summer, with more on the schedule.

Earlier in July, I was invited to juggle at Sebago Days.  Sebago is a town literally within walking distance of our home, so again, I saw it as a chance to be salt in the neighborhood.  Sue came with me, and we had no idea what a big event this was! It was comparable to some of the smaller state fairs we have worked.  The place was hopping with rides, games and lots of fair food (including honey - vanilla ice cream made locally.  YUM!) I was pretty much told to set up anywhere that seemed to work, and I found the spot quickly.  There was an open, sandy area adjacent to several picnic tables where people were stopping to rest and eat.  Perfect: a group of people already seated, but changing as families finished their lunches, giving us a steady turnover.  And sandy, which made juggling fire a lot safer during this rather dry summer.  If it wasn't such a windy day, it would have been perfect.

Part of being 'salt' rather than 'light' is the need to be more discerning as to what, if anything, to say in terms of faith.  At Sebago Days, it was pretty apparent.  Before I even started to juggle, while I was still unpacking my props, a gentleman came up and asked about my show.  I introduced myself, and then he introduced himself as a Rabbi from Portland.  While I won't exagerate my witness, I did tell him my show was Gospel themed typically, but for a similar community event I would be happy to do 'walk around' like I was doing that day.  I gave him my card and we shook hands.

Then, a bit later, one of the families that sat at the tables were all wearing shirts promoting their church.  I struck up a conversation with them as well, with the clear common bond of Jesus.

A couple of weeks later, I juggled at Bridgton's Lions' Club's 100th anniversary celebration.  This was also outside, but it wasn't walk-around.  I did a set of about 30 minutes.  Before me was the band Muddy Brook and the Bottomfeeders.  Bridgton's local chiropractor and harmonica oficianado, Brook Sulloway leads the Bottomfeeders, and he is also the new Lion King.  I knew he was talented, but I had no idea how much.  They played an hour set of delta blues that is as good as it gets north on Louisiana!

I went on next.  Again, I was acting more as 'salt' than light, the only real Gospel in my show was the music:  Mark Heard's "Dry Bones Dance", the Blacksmith's "Near the Cross", etc.  But I gave them a good show, and a lot of the audience knew me and my Gospel show already.  It was a treat to see Tina, her son and grandson, who seek out my show any time it's promoted publically.  But the highlight was seeing Mary, one of my former students.  She is a waitress this summer at a local cafe, and she took her break to catch the show so she could return a book she borrowed last school year.  (Shane Claibourne's "Irresistable Revolution") She also brought cookies from her work for Sue and me!

I love small town life and being a part of it when possible.  I trust that even when I am not doing a show with a Gospel message, I am representing the Lord well.