The Juggler.

The Juggler.
30x40”
We readily recognize the skill required when watching a juggler perform their talent, moving from 2 to 3 to 7 balls, introducing fragile, sharp or flaming objects, dazzling the audience as they defy injury or embarrassment by keeping their chosen objects aloft. Much less obvious, if not willfully ignored, is the skill required by each of us as we navigate our ever-changing landscape and hoist countless responsibilities onto our shoulders hour upon hour, day after day.

The danger may not be as immediate as a collection of knives flying overhead, but the consequences could be more severe. Juggling debts, relationships, work, schedules, family interests and personal goals, while not as life-threatening as a flying, flaming sword, certainly carry their potential for damage, both short and long-term. Despite this, each of us plods through our plight, many times graciously accepting new challenges while refusing offers of help. If our responsibilities were as obviously perilous as a juggler mid-performance, perhaps we’d give each other a little more space, allow ourselves a bit more forgiveness, and realize each interaction is infused with an unseen mountain of influence that each person is impacted by in unknowable ways.