On the Minister's Mind

by Rev. Laine Morgan

Last week I attended a circus with performances by kids 6-18 years old.  It was inspiring to see the passion for this art form by so many young acrobats, clowns, and jugglers; guided and coached by adults who have obviously dedicated their lives to the same passion.  The creativity and risk-taking was amazing.

The act that was the most thrilling for me to watch was the trapeze artists.  High above the crowd these young folks swung and flipped and caught each other in mid-air with precise timing. 

When the trapeze artist releases their swing, they turn in mid-air to grab the next swing which carries them in a different direction.  They must let go and turn in faith that they will grasp the new one.  I am sure it takes a lot of practice to learn to trust themselves to let go at the right time, turn at the precise moment, and reach for the new swing.  Their hearts must be racing!

This part of the show reminded me of a spiritual truth that we are engaging with at this time of the year.   As we concluded our time together in 2025 last Sunday, we released a “swing”  that had carried us this far.  It consisted of our habits, thoughts, beliefs, patterns and identities that created the year that was.  Right now, we are in “the turn.”  We have let go of that swing and are now turning toward the new year, ready to head in a new direction.  We know that this new swing will carry us to create fresh experiences as we choose new thoughts and patterns as we strengthen our identity as a spiritual being in the year ahead…if we can just catch it and the inspiration it promises.

The best news is that beneath us, just like beneath the kids at the circus, there is a safety net to help us practice greater faith in the ability to release and reach for something new.  Sure, we may fall back into old habits and patterns, but the safety net allows us to experience grace and gives us the opportunity to climb back up and try again, witnessed and encouraged by others who have taken that same fall many times.  In effect, we are each other’s safety “spotters” and God Itself provides the net.

And, yes, there were a few tricks that landed some of the young trapeze artists in the net the  other night,  but the applause was resounding because we all knew they were stretching their limits and going for the big moves.  And, every time, they bounced in the net a few times, caught their breath, and climbed up to do it again with a brave smile.

Let go, turn, and reach for something new.  It’s that time of year and we are all doing it together!