CELEBRITY STATUS
He was famous in the little town we partially grew up in. There wasn’t a soul in the humble little town that didn’t know about him and his escapades – and it didn’t matter the age, everyone from two to two hundred knew about his rare talent.
Being as young as I was, I had no respect for his privacy, we knew where he lived and exploited that fact with glee.
I recall driving by where he lived and yelling as much to him as about him, “Hey! – There he is! – Hey! – Hi!!!” I’d holler out the rolled-down car window as we drove past. He never answered. He looked unamused by the interventions. The poor guy got zero privacy… The price you pay for celebrity status, I suppose.
I can still picture the massive sign out front of the local outdoor roller rink when he was going to be performing. It was huge in our small town – he was big – I mean really big.
I don’t remember at what point I began to feel sorry for him but sensed his sadness. Perform and back to his house, that was it. Eat – sleep – perform. He had no life outside his work and it seemed to me, even at a young age, that his managers were abusing him.
Despite the age, I was putting two and two together and figuring out that they weren’t interested in him personally. He was their paycheck, their meal ticket… and they rode him like a horse… After a time, when we’d drive by where he lived I wouldn’t yell anymore… One of the last times I saw him out, I told my mom, “There he is…” with little excitement, “I feel sorry for him.” I could tell my mom did too…
He lived at the roller rink … No. I mean he literally lived and worked at the roller rink. I guess his play time was when he was performing, but he didn’t have a choice. He was trapped, they owned him, and he was obedient to his task masters.
Like most things in life; with time his show got old – people got used to it, it lost its unique appeal… He was just another statistic to be counted under the “over exposure” column.
Shortly before we moved from the small town and drove past the roller rink, I looked for him… but he was gone. His white painted home was empty… The stall built out in the front and side of the roller rink was abandoned. The sign was gone too. We’d seen the last of the sign, “THE SKATING DONKEY TONIGHT.” I hoped the skating donkey had moved on to greener pastures… literally.
It would be some decades later when it dawned on me how many of us are like that skating donkey… We get penned in by life and its trappings. Often we work at a job we’d rather not do – live in a house we wish were better, but we’re scared to death of the things we don’t know or haven’t experienced. We become trapped in a life much like the skating donkey was.
We become content to go through the motions and be controlled by our circumstances. We’re not donkeys… We have the intellect and wisdom from God to live where and how we want. It’s called free will… and yeah, as the term implies; it’s free…
As free as the skating donkey wanted to be…
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 7:56 am
I am glad I have been given free will. Otherwise, I might feel just that like donkey (only using the other name). What a gift God has given to us!
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 9:00 am
I was wondering if anyone was going to go there! I have tears in my eyes from busting a gut!!!! Thanks for the laugh today, Bill. I can use it! And yeah, it is a gift that so few really grasp, if not all of us. Thanks, Bill.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 8:00 am
I am a little like the skating donkey. Although I do work I like, and I’m working toward more freedom with writing, I still am stuck living in a house that’s too small and in a school district that’s mandated due to my single fatherhood. It’s interesting that a man with child custody becomes something like a criminal on parole – a prisoner of the State, the county, the school district. I’m starting planning for the perfect retirement location.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 9:03 am
That’s crazy! They can tell you where you have to live? I don’t blame you. Those bridles don’t fit into my mouth so well either, Dan. It does go by faster than imaginable, and the sacrifice for your daughter is the things of true love. Good for you for planning early! Thanks, Dan.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
YOu always write stories so winsomely and thought-provokingly. This is no exception. It’s difficult to think that this poor man was trapped and that we all are at times. Or perhaps we live on the exhaust of past accolades. I knew the gentleman who played the coroner in the Wizard of Oz, who pronounced the Wicked Witch really dead and most sincerely dead! It has his claim to fame and he always mentioned it, living in his past, and in a sense capitalized on it–to a degree. It was something to talk about whenver he saw you and how he knew Judy Garland, etc. In some ways, he didn’t seem to move past it. ANd yet, he also had a generous heart and made donations to charities locally (though I realize it wasn’t from any Munchkin money that he had stashed. I think they hardly made anything). He owned and operated a local tombstone company. So in that sense, he got local media attention because of his past in the movie, but then made a difference in his present. Forgive me, Floyd. I’m wandering a bit. Time to clear some dishes and go over my Bach before tomorrow’s concert. No time to proof, so not sure where I am going with this. But I get your bottomline: Don’t get trapped. Live in freedom in Him!
Blessings to you for a good post!
Lynn
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:34 am
Exactly, Lynn. We have such an abundant supply of free will it seems we use it as if it were going to run out, at least for the wrong things. Those memories remind me of the fact, I just need a reminder once in awhile… Thanks, Lynn. Hope you knock em’ over at your concert!
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 9:05 am
THanks for these well wishes, Floyd. I am soooo excited! AT our last concert of the season, we are singing four of the most exuberant, ebullient, and effervescent Bach cantatas I’ve ever sung…..all about FREUDE (joy)!!! And where is our joy? In the Lord! Bach knew that. He lived it. He composed it. And now, we get to sing it! Singing in this chorus is such a gift….God’s gift to singer and to hearer. Each of our rehearsals and concerts is a worship service–truly! At this concert, joy will come with great speed and much-needed breath control. Oh that I would allow His breath always to control me. Thanks again for everything, Floyd, and especially your heart!
Lynn
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 12:24 pm
I wish I was at that concert, Lynn!! It sounds wonderful. I almost feel like I’ve been there from your description of it. 🙂
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 2:45 pm
Your welcome, Lynn. I find it so encouraging when others are so excited and passionate about the gifts that God gives. I also appreciate the education you always seem to pass on when we communicate! Plus I picked up a new word! May your voice continue to be an honor to our Father.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 6:51 pm
I really enjoyed this story and did not guess who the skater was until it was revealed. Yes, we ofter are trapped in a situation, but rather than complain, we need to rejoice that things are not worse. Thanks for sharing this story at “Tell Me a True Story.”
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:36 am
I’m with you, Hazel. Complaining doesn’t change our circumstances. They must first start with a change of perspective that God provides via our free will. Thanks, and thanks for letting me share it at your place, “Tell Me a True Story!”
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 8:13 pm
I love the way you write, Floyd. It really pulls you in. I do think we have the tendency to get stuck in our ruts. I know I was stuck in one for years. The wonderful thing about God though is that our circumstances don’t need to change for us to get out of the rut. As I learned to see life from God’s perspective, He began pulling me out of the rut bit by bit even though my circumstances didn’t change. Eventually, I became incredibly grateful for the circumstances, not because I was a Pollyanna, but because they drove me to God and the resulting closeness after years of boredom was so incredible it was worth all the suffering.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:40 am
That was perfectly summed up, Barb! That is exactly the freedom we have and the power of God and His gift of free will. I’m with you. I have things going on in life that are difficult, but like you, over the last four or five years the only thing that’s changed is my perspective. Fear is all but gone. We learn, especially in difficult times, that when we revere our Father all things fall into the proper order and perspective and fear falls to the bottom of our barrel. Very, very well said, Barb. Thank you so much!
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 11:35 pm
Dear Floyd
Oh, I think the whole human race is a bit like skating donkeys!! We were created to love God and each other and nothing else will trylu satisfy our hearts. I found that out when I became ill with FM/CFS. Although I cannot to half as much as what I could, I have learned to live in our Jesus, experiencing His love, grace and mercy. Now I am free!! Thanks for a great post.
Blessings
Mia
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:43 am
Thanks, Mia. You are living proof and a great example of this lesson. I appreciate that in spite of the difficulties in your life you still add value to others lives thereby honoring our Father and yourself. You’re walking the walk, sister! Thanks for being the living example of the power of God’s gift of free will.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 @ 11:36 pm
Fine line between knowing who you are and being stuck in a rut, I’d say.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:55 am
Oooooh. Good call, Voni. I get that. Being content I guess is a whole other issue. To look at it that way really does make the boundary quite vague. I think being content is probably one of the best gifts, while desire for other things but the fear to give it a go is another matter. Good thoughts, Voni. Thanks.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 5:35 am
Amazing how we don’t always take up God’s gift of free will, to be all He has called us to be. (And other times we use it on things that don’t bring Him glory.) Wonderful story, i did not that ‘celebrity’ turning out to be a skating donkey 🙂
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 8:57 am
I hear you, Ngina. I think we’re all guilty of this at one time or another. Being mindful is the beginning of an honorable perspective.
Yeah, admittedly I tried to throw a curve ball on this one! Thanks, Ngina.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 1:43 pm
Very clever writing brother…a skating donkey. Thank God He gave us a free will to chose whether we want to skate or not.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 2:49 pm
Thanks, Betty. You made me chuckle. How I appreciate how you communicate with your words! I can almost hear your voice… then again I do have the advantage of actually hearing you sing… Yeah, I’m glad I don’t have to skate anymore… think I used up more than my share in days gone by…
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 5:18 pm
I only wish I had learned much earlier in life that I didn’t have to be a skating donkey. Refocusing your life direction closer to 60 than 50 is a little scary, but also quite exciting. Love reading your posts.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 6:08 pm
Good for you, Mike. I so respect that perspective you have. With God on our side it should all be exiting. Good stuff. Thanks, Mike.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 8:07 am
You got me with this one! I did a double-take when you mentioned the donkey. Although now I think it would be pretty cool to see a skating donkey!
But I see your greater point – our humanity gives us the freedom to be individuals – to make decisions. Of course that is a burden in a way, but a privilege as well.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:33 am
Great thoughts, Loren. It is a burden that we choose to make the best of or not. No easy answers or paths. Yeah, it was pretty cool watching the skating donkey… it was actually more like the balancing donkey… but pretty cool for kids.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 9:06 am
So many times in life I’ve felt and acted like the “southern end of a northern bound donkey”. Each time it’s been because I’ve stepped away from Christ and began serving the world or trying to control my life “my way” instead of God’s way.
So often we think we are in control but really we aren’t. The Bible is very clear, there are only two masters we can serve- God or Satan. We like to think of Christianity or church as a democracy but really it’s a theocracy- God’s in charge! If He’s not in charge then satan is…we only delude ourselves to think we are in charge.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:40 am
You preach it, TC! Very well said. The voice of experience has a way of driving the point into a soul. Nice job, TC.
“Southern end of a north bound donkey.” You folks from the south also have a flair for telling good story that stays with the one who hears… That’s a good one! I gotta use that one! Too funny, TC!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 11:11 am
I had to be creative to cuss when I grew up! Some old habits die hard 🙂
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 10:16 pm
And creative you are! No arguing that!
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 9:23 am
Floyd, this might be the first time I’ve been called an @$$ and not been ticked-off about it. I know, you didn’t actually call me, or anyone that, it’s just that I can totally relate. “Eat … sleep … perform”, yeah, that’s what life seems like sometimes. Worse yet, most of us aren’t even celebrities! Though sometimes our circumstances narrow the choices our “free will” can make and still be called responsible “adults”. It is a sad observation though; How many of us spend our lives eating, sleeping and performing and in the process forget to live? Today’s post might help some us will ourselves to live freer lives within the context of our circumstances …..
Thanks.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:45 am
You write like the wind, my friend. I’m so slow, David, it actually took me looking at the @$$ for a few seconds for the first line to sink in! Once it did I laughed to the point of tears in my eyes! Your mind is a clever one!
It’s one thing to be content, it’s another to live a life that doesn’t bring fulfillment. God calls us to a life more abundant, and I think that comes from the fulfilled heart, not necessarily filled pockets. Thanks for the great comment and all you bring to every discussion. It’s greatly appreciated, David.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 11:13 am
Floyd does have a way with words…or in writing 🙂
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 10:17 pm
Thanks, TC. You’re too good to me…
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:26 am
I think we all hit times like that skating donkey when we begin to feel trapped in our lives, I know I have. I’m grateful for a loving God who reminds me that I can change and that life is good no matter what.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:47 am
Amen, April. I’d say your life is an example of not being trapped in a stable. I admire the fact that you don’t let circumstances keep you from pursuing your passion. You are living the best part of that gift of free will, sister. Keep up the good work! Thanks, April.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 5:14 am
Thank you for this thought provoking post. I fear there is a little of the skating donkey in all of us.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 6:49 am
I agree, Donna. “There is a little skating donkey in all of us.” May we overcome our fear through Him who knows no fear – truly. Thanks for the thought provoking comment.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 10:48 am
Great twist. Poor donkey! Kinda goes along with my post for today. If someone else owns you, they decide whether you’re a performer and pack-animal. Neither one is good when it’s forced upon us day after day. Glad He made us free and that His truth is remaking us in every way. Wonderful story, Floyd. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 10:15 pm
It really did tie in with your post, Jason. I’d say great minds think alike, but you and I both know it is the Greatest mind that is beyond comprehension! Thanks, Jason. Well said.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 5:21 pm
Can’t tell you how happy I was to get out of the mundane. I was forced out of Corporate America yes, but it was a blessing in disguise. Now, I get to live passionately daily and do what God has called me to do by helping others. What more could you ask for. I don’t want to be normal, I want to be radical.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 10:18 pm
No one is going to be keeping you tied down, Lincoln! It was just a matter of time. God wired you for greatness, my friend…
Wednesday, May 1, 2013 @ 9:48 pm
Great post! Free will is an amazing thing, except for when my free will meets my sinful nature. God want’s people who will freely love and want Him not robots.
Thursday, May 2, 2013 @ 6:36 am
Well said, Dan. Following rules is just that; robotic. I like that analogy! I’ll have to use that one! Thanks, Dan.
Thursday, May 2, 2013 @ 10:38 am
When we are living in a life that is filled with being ordered around/run around by the ones who have control over us, it can be filled also with fear, anger, sorrow. When the “control” turns and becomes our Heavenly Father, everything else turns, too. That’s all I can count on. Being used by people is one thing; being used by God is another. And that one is filled with glory, rather than gory.
Good to “see” you… gotta catch up again…
Thursday, May 2, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
Whoa! Very well said, Joanne. If it’s His will that changes everything… starting with our perspective. Excellent point, Joanne. Thanks, It’s good to be busy!
Saturday, May 4, 2013 @ 1:27 pm
Thank you so much for stopping by and linking up this fascinating story with such an important message. So often we lack vision for our lives – and allow others to live out THEIR visions through us. And suddenly one day we wake up and realize we’re being used to accomplish another person’s goal and vision. True freedom is finding out what God’s will is for US and then finding the courage to go out and do that. What a wonderful story!!
Saturday, May 4, 2013 @ 2:25 pm
Well said. That is true freedom indeed, and He is the One who supplies the courage to go out and do what He designed us and gave us the desire to do and be. Thanks for the wisdom shared. Bless you.