It was a very last minute thing.  The closing program for the St. Nickolas Episcopal Church's kids ministry was supposed to feature a magician out of Canada.  Due to health problems, though, he was unable to come, so I was a last minute fill in.  So I literally left my last day of teaching and went straight to my first show of the summer.  While the church was celebrating the end of their kids' program, the audience was probably 75% adults; a combination of parents, staff and others.

Before the show, before even unloading the van, I met with the treasurer in the church office.  She was confused by our policy to never set a fee for our show.  This is a policy inspired by the late musician, Keith Green.  The scripture is clear not to charge for the preaching of the Gospel, so we have always left it up to the sponsoring organization.  God has always provided what we need to keep our show 'on the road', and has often blessed us beyond what we would normally have charged.

So, as we discussed this in the office, we both got more and more frustrated with each other.  I explained and re-explained our policy.  I said, "I really don't want to make this difficult..." To which she responded "But you are."  It reminded me of my Uncle Frank, who would relentlessly argue over paying the bill in a restaurant.  Finally she told me that the lady who booked me suggested $150.  I stopped myself from asking why, if she was suggested an amount by the event's organizer, would we need to have this conversation.  I soon got my answer in spite of my silence.  She said, "I told her we have a really full program, and we didn't need a magician.  I don't know why she hired you."

I again used some self-control.  I didn't say, "I'm not a magician,, I'm a juggler."  I didn't say, "Thank you for making me feel so welcome in your parish.  I just said, "Give me $100".

Finally, I was able to unload the van and set up the show.  I juggled well, the audience was great, and I believe I earned my fee.