"Not my circus! Not my monkeys!" by Mary Folkerts

 

My friend used this phrase the other day, which echoes our often-held sentiments. "Not my circus, not my monkeys!"

 

In other words, "Not my problem. Don't bother me with the details!"

Sometimes, that's a good attitude to have when a situation doesn't concern me and my involvement won't improve it. 

But not always.

I wonder if we sometimes use this thinking as an excuse not to become involved in difficult circumstances. The problem may seem too large, and my efforts too small to make a difference. What can my "drop in the bucket" help do to change anything? It's easy to want to live a quiet life, mind my own monkeys and not make any waves in the water, but if God calls us to "seek justice and to love mercy," it might mean getting involved and speaking up for those who can't. 

I'm not suggesting we all become political and begin some "fight for justice" campaign, but we all see little injustices within our circles of influence that we can speak out against. We all experience areas of struggle that, if we are vulnerable about, could potentially help someone else in their struggle. Our vulnerability might help someone learn how to wrangle their own monkeys! 

One thing is clear. We can't live our lives unaffected by those around us. Preoccupation with our own struggles, concerns, and problems shrinks our world inward, but when we open our hearts to others' needs, we find blessings beyond measure. 

As writers, we have the opportunity to call attention to situations even if they don't directly affect us. Advocating for those who don't have a voice means it's sometimes necessary to get involved in circuses, not our own. Our small words can have a powerfully positive impact on someone else's life.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8 (ESV).

Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member and is involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s personal blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the small things https://maryfolkerts.com/  or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/