I recently heard the story of Emmett Kelly, a name new to me, but a story that was not. A gifted trapeze artist, Emmett came to Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus looking for a job. During his audition, as he flew in the air, from one bar to the next, with twists and turns along the way, it was clear Emmett was born to be a trapeze artist. Unfortunately, there were others more talented than he, and he did not get the job. Rather than give up, however, Emmett became a clown, perhaps the most famous clown the circus has known, and is now remembered for his performances on the ground, rather than the air.
Although I have never been a trapeze artist, his story speaks to those of us who have become clowns when other options were not available. When I couldn’t read like the other students in my class, I became the clown of our third-grade reading circle. When I didn’t make the varsity team, I became the entertainer of the Junior Varsity. And when I couldn’t quote scripture or break bread like the others in seminary, I chose to put on clown make up as well as a stole.
I mean no disrespect to Mr. Kelly, for he was a great clown, but the metaphor found in his story can vividly remind us about living authentic lives. We are wondrously made, each of us, with gifts and talents, as well as weaknesses and challenges. More than what we do, each of us is called to be our true selves, and that will involve letting go of the ropes, flying in air, and doing what we were born to do.
Whether as artists, writers, musicians, stay-at-home parents, students, doctors, lawyers, politicians, or ministers, each of us has the chance to fly. The world might (and probably will) question our talent, or challenge our choice, but it’s our choice. We can stay true to ourselves, or become a clown. I’ve tried both, and know which I would do if ever presented with the chance again.
