In the course of a year, I do many shows that I'd classify as fair, good and very good.  There's always a few that I'd cll excellent, and maybe one that is just dreadful.  Last week's show at a assisted living home falls into the category of dreadful. The audience was great, but I think I had over rehearsed going into it, because I juggled like I was tired. Furthermore, it was an outdoor show, and the sun was high in the sky; there was no way I could position myself that it wasn't blinding me.  An on-again-off-again breeze unpredictably blew props out of the air as Ijuggled them, and blew props off of tables as well. Then, near the end, my i-pod overheated and stopped playing my music.

Dreadful.

However, the biggest battle for me wasn't the juggling errors or the lack of music.  It was in my thoughts.  Those once a year or two dreadful shows often cause my thoughts to spiral down into discouragement and defeat. Then, I rush though routines, perhaps cut some out, and become more concerned with getting through the show than presenting the Gospel.

But this week it was different.  It was a battle, no question. But I sought God first - not to juggle better, but to stay positive- and I had victory in the spiritual realm, if not the physical realm.  After the show, several people said they enjoyed it, I got paid, and I counted it as a win.

Inless than 24 hours, I had another show at a summer camp in Old Orchard.  What a difference a day makes.  It was spot on.  For an hour everything went right.  I don't believe that God somehow rewardedme formy self control the day before.  More likely, He knew I could only take so much, so in His grace He allowed things to go great.  Either way, the Word went out to two very different people groups, and God has shown His faithfulness again and again.