A different kind of performance 

Readying for the holiday season, I decided that a “Magical Cirque Christmas” performance was in order.

It was a different kind than I had seen before—not the typical Cirque du Soleil, where various acts happen at once. This show unfolded one performer at a time.

I thought, This is strange—just watching one solo artist do her contortionist act without dancers or a juggler in the background. 

But it allowed me to be focused on one performer at a time, appreciating each one, individually.

An aerial artist twirled to a Christmas song. Then the next holiday melody ushered in a ring dancer who looped gracefully around the stage. The next act was a unicyclist rolling to Mariah Carey’s song  “All I want for Christmas, is you.”

My favorite tune was next, The Little Drummer Boy. A drum soloist came on stage and his performance brought me to tears. He was playing the drums like I’ve never heard before and right there in my seat, I was ministered to.  

Each of us have a special gift(s) God has given us. He watches us as we play out our talents before Him. He sees us one at a time as we fulfill our individual purposes.

And then I paused to consider, Am I using my gifts to the best of my ability?

Do I dance with grace and ease through life’s trials?

Do I “roll” with joy? 

Am I drumming my heart out on God’s stage?

That simple Christmas variety show gave me pause in that moment.

I sat there. I watched each performer bring honor to their maker. 

I smiled thinking about God adoringly watching each of us use our gifts. 

“How cool is it that the same God that created the oceans and mountains and galaxies, looked at you and thought the world needed one of YOU too.” (A card I found at a gift shop).