I recently got this question in an email from someone who is struggling with the way others perceive his love of juggling….
“I’ve been losing a bit of inspiration in the juggling world and could use someone with faith to support my hobby which is usually frowned upon. People just don’t welcome juggling. In my family or in the church. I see it as visual art, patterns, healthy exercise and fun. They see it as a waste of time, or…whatever they see it as.”
My response is this: God uniquely made you and gave you special gifts, talents, and abilities for the dual purpose of (1) reflecting His glory back to Him and (2) serving others. If juggling is your thing (whether amateur or professional), then do it to the glory of God, regardless of what others think. You will also find that your juggling may someday serve the good of others too, whether it be inspiring a young person or making someone smile in awe at the human endeavor of throwing things in artistic patterns.
As Ms. Swift says, the haters are gonna hate, hate, hate. But, I can assure you that there is a community of jugglers out there who will affirm and celebrate your love of juggling. I am one of them. Keep on juggling and let it bring yourself and others joy!
This whole discussion, I believe, is really a question about art in general. Juggling is a form of art. And art is something that only humans do. It is not a purely utilitarian undertaking. Animals are very utilitarian in their activities. They expend energy sparingly, enough to survive and reproduce. One could argue that art is superfluous and unnecessary to our survival. But very few humans seriously make that argument. Why? Because we all know that deep down inside all of us there is a desire to create and enjoy that creativity, even if it has no apparent purpose beyond our enjoyment. I would actually argue that art serves an incredible amount of purpose in life, not the least of which is the fact that it acts as a tool that helps us as humans reflect – which is an integral part of growth and learning in life.
In the book of Exodus, we meet two artisans: Bezalel and Oholiab (Ex 35:30-35). We read that God gave them skills in both craftsmanship as well as teaching. Why did God give them the skills? So they could create the artistic embellishments for the tabernacle and teach others to do the same. Were their skills necessary for the survival of God’s people? Perhaps not on a surface level. But God still gifted them and commanded them to put specific artistic elements into the tabernacle. Why? I believe it is because God is a creative God and if He wants purple curtains with golden clasps, then He’s gonna get them, and they’re going to look awesome. It’s going to inspire awe and wonder in the people of God and point their hearts towards him. And that is enough.
Juggling is an art. It points our eyes and hearts heavenward. It brings me joy and if it brings you joy, then you should do it too. Should it be everyone’s full-time profession? No. We’re all gifted differently. But to whatever extent you do it, do it unto the Lord.
Keep juggling my friend. Keep looking heavenward. May others see your juggling and also point their hearts heavenward when they see it.
Side note: This individual lives local to me and we have yet to meet but we will attempt to connect at some point when I get home from my summer camps.
