Pentecost

This weekend was relaxing and thought provoking in turns. Since coming here, I've had so many new experiences, new emotions and feelings, and sometimes it's hard to reconcile all the things from my old life to the new. Circus comes easily to me here, as does going to Church. Living as a true Catholic, using my performer glitz and style, those are harder to do. The environment, what kind of behavior is the norm....it's just different in ways I can't describe or really explain. You'd think that living with the same number of people in a similarly tight-knit group would be pretty much alike, but it isn't.

Today was Pentecost though, and the second reading really struck me for two different things. Pentecost is the celebration of the reception of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and this reading reminded me of another, where Paul talks about everyone having different gifts, but the same spirit. It really reminded me that no matter where I am, I'm called to use my gifts. The problem being I don't know what they are. The only gift I really think I have is generosity, because I don't mind giving anyone my time, my help, my love...really, even my self. I like serving others, and making them happy. But I have to remind myself more and more often that there are parts of my self, my soul, that I can't or shouldn't give away, because of their value. Sometimes I don't guard myself as carefully as I should, because I want to share everything with everyone.

Which sort of leads into the other half of the reading, about the flesh and the spirit being opponents. I never used to understand how it would be possible for your body to want something that your spirit wouldn't allow you to have. I think I'm starting to get the picture.

Sarah and Jamie had their first juggling lesson today, and regardless of what they may think, they both are looking pretty good. I'm fairly confident that they'll be competent enough with balls by next week to go to clubs, unless they want to learn tricks. Personally, I only use balls as a building block for clubs, because ball juggling is essentially a solo act....actually, Sarah, if you're interested, maybe you would like to learn contact juggling. Jamie, I definitely want you to start clubs as soon as you're ready. So if you find yourself developing any bad habits (passing, running, watching one ball) come find me, or if you just want to learn some tricks. If not, you'll have another juggling check up in a week.

Okay, busy day tomorrow, combat and double trap. Ororo, looks like we'll have lots of quality time.....