Circus Life

I have discovered that being a mother is very much like living in the middle of a three-ring circus. In one ring, I am the lion tamer, poised to lead my impressionable young children to stand tall, be obedient, and follow their Master's voice. Sometimes I am the lion, learning to respect, trust, and have confidence in those chosen to lead me. And sometimes the beasts are the experiences I have that require all of my concentration and diligence, energy and adrenaline, but with faith and determination, I will not let them consume me. In another ring, I walk a tightrope, attempting to find the delicate balance that is required when raising a family and praying for steadiness along the narrow course. I try hard not to fall as I endeavor to teach my children right from wrong. I am the coach they will look to for guidance as they learn the ropes for themselves in this circus life. I am grateful that a safety net is in place for times when all of us are sure to miss the mark every now and then. Beyond the roaring lions and beside the profound stillness of the high wire lies a third ring and my favorite act of all. It is the one where we become the clowns, celebrating the joyful experiences of circus life together, lifting each other when times are more gloomy, and eliciting generous applause and unbridled laughter in response to the spontaneous, silly and unexpected performances that add splashes of color to the show. In my circus life, I proudly display my beautiful children as though they were born to be my shining stars. At the end of each day, when the show is over and the Big Top is quiet, what I wish for, most of all, is that my children will go on to graciously claim their spot in this world, bringing happiness to others and living everyday with passion for the things they love and the causes that matter most to them. Who ever knew, when I first fell in love with the circus as a child myself, that I would one day run away with one? Being a mom is "The Greatest Show on Earth."