Light & Shifting Shadows

A few weeks ago, Envisions Entertainment called on me to entertain a few celebrities the following day. The client (an actor who goes by three letters) needed forty-five minutes of strolling magic during their band’s break. 

The next afternoon, I was unusually anxious packing for the gig. These people are experienced entertainers. They know a thing or two about magic. I tried to pray and focus. As I did, I started to feel like I should take my standup show and sound system. I ignored the feeling. After all, they only wanted a few quick closeup tricks. The feeling kept getting stronger until it was the only thing I could think about, so I packed up the strolling props, the standup props, and my sound system and drove to the venue. 

When I arrived, private chefs, a concert lighting crew, and a full-sized rock band complete with a horn section were already loading in. I recognized a videographer who I had just met a few days prior. More on him later. 

The venue was a beachside mansion. The back of the estate featured a stage area that opened up to a large field. In the middle of the field, something unexpected: a sofa. 

I met the client and asked him how many people he was expecting. He excitedly reported that all five invitees would be there. As he said it, I could tell that we suddenly had the same thought: How was I supposed to do strolling magic for just five people sitting on a sofa? He blurted out, “Why don’t you just do a show for them?” and ran off. 

I power-walked back to the car and unpacked the stand-up show and sound system. 

At six o’clock, the concert started for the party of five. At seven o’clock, the sun started to set, and the client went on stage to sing a few numbers with the band. They finally took their break at half-past seven. I went up to the group–now sitting on a sofa in total darkness-–and offered to move the show inside so they could see. To my horror, they cheerfully said, “No, here in the dark is fine.”

I knew it wouldn’t be “fine.”

I started my rope routine and immediately began fumbling. I couldn’t see more than a few inches in front of my face. 

Suddenly, the videographer from earlier swooped in and dropped three LED camera lights in front of me. Somehow, he noticed that I was in trouble and came up with a way to light me up perfectly on the fly! The rest of the show couldn’t have gone better. 

I made a hundred-dollar tip during the show. You can probably guess who I regifted it to before leaving.

On the way out, the client pulled me aside to tell me that my act was the highlight of their evening. But as I shook his hand and said, “thank you,” I was not only thanking him. The whole evening should have been a failure! Something told the videographer to look my way and help me when I was struggling in the dark. Something told me to pack my stand-up show and portable sound system that afternoon. Something was orchestrating a chain of perfect situations in the midst of what might have been a perfect disaster.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 

Thank you, Father. 

I need thee every hour.