"My wife, Sue, and I returned from visiting two of our daughters in Texas on July 30th. Less than a week later I had a show at Woodlands Memory Care right in our home town of Bridgton, Maine. This was my second time in this beautiful new facility. I love this venue because, unlike a nursing home, the people are completely lucid in the moment. They can understand and enjoy the show as well as any other audience. Secondly, the community room is set aside exclusively for entertainment. Unlike many older facilities, entertainment isn't held in the dining room. At Woodlands, you fell like you're in an intimate little theatre. Also, my friends, Jim and Deb, have come both times I've performed there as Deb's mom was the center's first resident.
And it was a good thing they were there this time. My first routine involved producing a live dove from what appears to be a burning Bible. ("The show you'll be seeing is based on this book. A book that has never been destroyed -light on fire- or silenced, because it is a living book, inspired by the Holy Spirit"- produce dove.) It worked perfectly, and the audience was in awe of the live bird produced right in front of their eyes. But, alas, I was slow in grabbing onto the dove, and he flew off. Because of the center's open concept, he had no reason to stay in the room, and he was off down the hall. He could have gone almost anywhere. Rather than delaying the rest of the show, Jim got up immediately and pursued the renegade dove. 10 minutes in, he came back and said he could find it, but would keep trying. Eventually, Jim spotted him in a room perched on the handle of a vacuum cleaner! This once again reinforced my understanding of why the Holy Spirit is represented by a dove. Gentle: yes. But also determined. The dove wouldn't change its course and return to me. Instead, it needed to be pursued. In the same way, it is not up to us to get God to change His mind and get on board with us. We need to follow Him whereever He may lead us.
From that memorable (poor choice of words, given the venue?) opening th show progressed for close to an hour. Knowing the higher ceiling of the room I'd be in, I planned ahead and brought what I needed to perform one of my favorites: A Jester's Creed. This juggling routine based on the Apostle's Creed is one I like to include in church shows, but recently I have been using it elsewhere when possible. It resonates with so many people who have grown up in churches that recite the Apostle's Creed as part of their services.
After all the illusions and routines, and after the Gospel was presented as clearly as I am able, it was time to pack up and drive across town. Thankfully, I was able to leave with the same number of doves that I came with!