Risk-Taking
Last week I was surprised to see that the circus had come to our neighbouring suburb. Just seeing the big tent, the rides and the animals took me back to my childhood. As a youngster, I was fascinated by the trapeze. I was always mesmerized by that small amount of time when the trapeze artists were between trapezes. They had to let go of one trapeze so they could grab onto another
The late Henri Nouwen, an internationally renowned priest and author, had been fascinated by circus symbolism and in later life he even toured with a trapeze act known as The Flying Rodleighs. He loved the artistry of the fliers and catchers on the trapeze. By observing them, he felt he learned everything he needed to know about taking risks without fear – he observed that this only happened when trust and care are present. What he saw in the trapeze artists was fragile human beings putting their complete trust in one another.
The trapeze raised questions for me: how willing am I to let go of the old and embrace the new—or do I let the trapeze hold me back? Sometimes, simply being willing to voice new ideas is considered risky. Moving on a new program or initiative whose outcome is uncertain may be considered a risk.
This is how I see the Thought for the Week for our ACU National community. I look forward to watching with wonder as many members of our community make that leap of faith, being prepared to be vulnerable. I hope that the observing community responds with appreciation and enthusiasm.
Contributed by Anne Ferguson, Mission Engagement
