Hopefully the third time is the charm since I have written this twice already, hit save and have yet to find them.
We had a short trip yesterday which consisted of completing our packing and meeting the Pens in Casa Grande so we could all start in same place today. Our trip was mostly uneventful with the exception of a minor traffic jam caused by a burning semi trailer.
Got to the hotel well before the dust storm which was followed by a thunderstorm.
Been tracking our Motor Maids as they all make their way to converge on Kerrville. Have fun y'all we will see you there.
We all have times in our lives when things don't go as we had hoped, in fact, they go so far in the opposite direction that we can't even see the hope that was once there. Times when you just don't understand why people do the things they do. Times when you wonder if it is really you that is going crazy. Times when no matter what you do, it's wrong.
When someone else allows free will to run amok and it causes havoc in my life I have so many mixed feelings in my head and heart. Sadness for the one running amok as well as all those who are impacted by the insanity. Frustration and helplessness at my inability to understand or help. Frustration because I've tried to help in so many ways only to have a back turned to me. I have to remember that I can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.
And I worry. I worry about everyone in the blast radius. Anger at what is going on and my inability to prevent it. Fear of what will happen to the ones I love. Resentment. Helplessness. Love. My heart aches and I feel like I have been punched in the gut.
In my head and in my heart, I know there is nothing I can do to prevent the self destructive behavior. So I turn to the things that have kept me sane and safe in the past, God, prayer, my loving spouse, my church family and some passages of the Big Book. I believe that nothing happens in God's world by mistake but I don't have to like it. I pray and pray that salvation comes before it is too late.
Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today....
If you have never heard of the Great American Youth Circus you have no idea what you have been missing. If you live anywhere within driving distance of Redlands, CA, you really need to check this out. This event takes place each May, is sponsored by the Redlands YMCA and is comprised primarily of children,some as young as 3 years old, and young adults.
The Redlands YMCA trains these young people in acrobatics, clowning, juggling, aerial performance, unicycling and many other things. Think Cirque du Soleil with kids. Check out this video from last year's performance.
These kids are amazing, as are their instructors, volunteers, families and supporters. They work hard to prepare a show that lasts about 3 hours including the intermission, even then they are still working the crowd. Doing three shows each weekend for 2-3 weekends is a huge commitment, not to mention the practices throughout the year to prepare for this show. Many of these young people do this year after year, even when they "graduate" from the program, many come back as adult volunteers helping with the younger performers.
While it may sound like fun and a way to keep children busy, you have to think of the life skills they learn in the process. They learn discipline, team work, commitment, work ethics and self confidence. This circus not only gives them a creative outlet, it gives them a sound foundation for life.
Hats off to the Redlands YMCA which has been sponsoring this huge endeavor for nearly 75 years. Congratulations to the coaches, instructors, parents who have worked with these young people to make this circus possible.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you to all the performers in this year's CircuSea Treasure. Well done, see you again next year.
