I took my three kids to see BJ Hickman The Magician at the Palace Theatre on Tuesday. It’s an annual tradition that kicks off our summer. It’s very special for me because it’s one of the few summer adventures where it is just the four of us. Even though we’ve seen almost every trick he performs, I look forward to it every year.
BJ calls up a different child from the audience to be his assistant for almost every trick he does. Two years ago, he chose Zack. He magically attached spoons all over his arms and face. It was an incredible thrill for Zack.
Although Mason tried to be happy for his brother, he was oozing with jealousy and disappointment because he hadn’t been chosen. When we went last year, I hoped and prayed that Mason would get picked. No such luck.
So when BJ asked for his first volunteer this year, Mason raised both hands and jumped up and down. Zack and Jocelyn were raising both of their hands too. My eyes pricked with pride when I realized that they weren’t raising their hands for themselves. Instead, they were waving and pointing at Mason, trying to increase the odds that Mason would get picked. Of course I had to join in. We waived and pointed at Mason over and over again during the course of the hour. Despite all of our efforts, he still was never chosen. It was heartbreaking.
My response came like a gift from God. I said, “But Mason, we chose you.”
Later, at dinner, we talked about it some more. I asked Mason what would be better: to be chosen to go on stage, be in the spotlight for just two minutes, but live in a family for 365 days a year where he wasn’t loved and chosen? Or the reverse? His immediate response was, “The reverse.” He understood that living every day with parents and siblings who love and always choose him, far outweighs two minutes of glory.
Don’t we all crave our fifteen minutes of fame? Don’t we all wish that we could be famous for some fabulous accomplishment? Don’t we all want to impact the world with something wonderfully positive and life giving?
Guess what? Every single one of us moms is doing just that. We created and are raising our fabulous accomplishments as we speak. Although most days there is no glitz or glamour about the toilets we scrub and the meals we cook, on those days when our kids reach out to the friendless child on the playground, hold the door for an elderly person, or console their sibling when he or she is sad, we have impacted the world with something wonderfully positive and life giving. And, given the choice, I’d much rather choose that, than my two minutes in the spotlight.
Shifting My Perspective 
Love, love, love this one. What a wonderful gift you have of capturing a moment and turning into a great life-lesson for your kids. They are very blessed to have you!!!
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I love, love, love that you commented Elaine! Unfortunately, I don’t feel like I’m the one who captures these moments. Each and every time it feels like a gift from God. But I suppose that’s the biggest lesson in it all: we really aren’t meant to be doing this mothering thing, or life in general, all on our own. We’re supposed to lean on Him – and that’s when the blessings and grace happen. 🙂
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Claire, meaningful story. I just left a long comment but I don’t think it posted because I wasn’t signed on. Please let me know in advance of a show if there’s an audience member who would like to be a helper in the show. I can make it happen, especially for repeat audience members. I know how much it can mean. It’s one of the reasons I do what I do. Every smile, laugh or visit to say hello after the show is what keeps me going. Much appreciated. Thank you!
BJ Hickman
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Hi BJ. I’m thrilled you read this post and commented. Thank you!!! My family LOVES you! Ironically enough, were just saw you on July 5th at the 10 a.m. show. Believe it or not, you chose Mason as your helper for the same exact trick. We were the family jumping up and down, sooooo excited that he was actually chosen. Thank you for making a boy, and his whole family EXTREMELY happy!
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