Cirque de Noel

Sitting in the audience of the DeVos Performance Center we anxiously awaited the show to begin. The orchestra were finely tuning their instruments as the location filled with the buzzing sound of excited people. Behind us sat a family that included two very grey haired Grandparents, their young Grandchildren and their parents. A little girls voice could be heard asking, "When will it start, Where do the people fly in from?" 

Our seats were in the middle of all of the excitement! I sat in between my two daughters as my husband sat proudly on the end. (This was after all his idea!) the lights dimmed and the distinguished conductor walked onto the stage.

The orchestra masterfully performed Deck the Halls and then the magic began! An aerialist climbed up some fabric and began to perform high above WITHOUT a net! 

I could feel my heart racing as I watched with excitement, fear and wonder at this amazing woman! All night long we stared in awe at the performances that we witnessed. 

By far my favorite was the act the was done with what looked like a hula hoop that was suspended from the ceiling. Like a child playing on a swing she swayed back and forth showing us her incredible strength. What happened next took be by surprise! The woman was hanging from the ceiling by her feet in the hoop and she had NO net! Honestly it was difficult to catch my breath! I kept thinking, "What if she falls?"

I glanced at my daughters during each performance, there eyes were filled with wonder and their mouths wide open in shock as each act demonstrated unbelievable strength, flexibility, showmanship and "death defying acts". 

I had an interesting reaction to this show. "Why would these people purposefully do things that could result in their harm or death, without a net?"

Jesus wants to provide you with an amazing gift of peace, love and forgiveness. Why keep trying to do everything alone, unprotected and fearful?

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:7

Every time we try to do life without Jesus, we are living without His net! He is our net! He is the one that provides access to the Father and to all things good.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Father, may each day be filled with your love, peace, and safety net! Help me to hear your voice and respond. Thank you for your protection and care. Jann