I was taking a month-long class in Ecuador. We traveled around the beautiful country- even into the Amazon rainforest. There, a few monkeys determined to do what non-cartoon monkeys in tourist traps do: harass people.
The agile creatures stole anything loose they could grab. We tried to ask how to get our stuff back. A tour guide laughed. No one owned those monkeys. No one controlled them. He suggested we try trading goods with the animals.
In the end, he might as well have said this favorite phrase of mine:
“Not my circus, not my monkeys.”
I’d love to give credit to the person who created this phrase, but I haven’t figured out where I first heard it. Regardless, this lighthearted idiom makes a big difference when I get heavyhearted about what’s out of my control.
We all deal with monkeys that aren’t ours to control:
- Other people’s actions and attitudes
- Natural consequences
- People’s perceptions of us
Plus, we all cycle through circuses that just can’t be controlled:
- Circumstances like weather or health
- Unexpected things and unknowns
- Timing
God’s will and plans make both these lists, too.
There’s a lot outside of our control, isn’t there? Praise the Lord! Click To TweetPraise the Lord (even you fellow control freaks holding your breath right now.)
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God does not hold us accountable for things we aren’t responsible for
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God’s grace is enough to work those monkeys and circuses for good
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God is sovereign over all the monkeys, circuses, and you know- Even us.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” –Colossians 1:17
When we feel like something is just plain out-of-control, we need to remember the truth. These isn’t a thing out of God’s knowledge or reach. Even the things He seems to have “lost” (like that apple Eve bit into,) are included in His “all.”
All things work together for good. All God’s plans are accomplished. All is fit into His purposes. Even the wild and wily.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7
The second verse- cast your cares- is popular. But sometimes we forget what comes before it: humility. Part of surrendering control is being willing to say “I need help” and “that’s not mine.” If it’s not our circus and not our monkey, we can stop trying to take responsibility for it.
It’s tough when we care a lot to let go of what isn’t ours to manage- but that’s part of “cast your cares!”
Let’s praise the Lord of ALL today. What’s one thing you’re thankful isn’t your responsibility?
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This post was so timely. Struggling to maintain the “not my monkeys, not my circus” mentality right now and it has gotten the better of me the last couple of days. Thank you for the sweet and much needed reminder!
I’ve been struggling with it too, Julia! Glad for God’s gracious reminders and the humor that helps. Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me!
Good word, Bethany. Love the analogy to monkeys and the circus. The Lord has taught me so much over the last few years about control. We really can’t control other people’s actions or words. I can’t even control “me” unless I’m walking in the Spirit. 😉 Thanks Bethany and Pat.
Karen, thank you! And amen!
Beautiful and freeing, Bethany.
The phrase that has been whispering in my ear lately is also very simple: “It’s not mine to do.”
And I’m finding that it applies to a number of things that I would have gone blundering in to without this piece of heaven sent wisdom!
“Not mine” can be about satisfying as “mine!” can’t it? It applies to so much. Thank you, Michele!
Love this humorous take on casting your cares. Thanks for the giggle. laurensparks.net
Thanks, Lauren! Humor often helps : )
Great thoughts on this! I really like how you framed these concepts – very helpful.
Thank you, Susan!
Awesome Bethany. I had never heard that idiom before but very applicable to all those things you mentioned. It’s funny to me how we try to take control of what is impossible to grasp. Just let God have it. Needed this today!
xoxo
It’s funny to me, too, Christy!! So much better to let God have it. Thank you!
“If it’s not our circus and not our monkey, we can stop trying to take responsibility for it.” That can be a great relief if we take it. Thanks, Bethany.
Amen! Thank you, Debbie!
Great post!
I am grateful that I am not “responsible” for another’s choice to follow God or not.
I am to be but His child, obedient in what He is calling me too do in my life before Him, the Holy Spirit is the one whom brings people to that point of decision, & it is their free choice to accept Jesus as Lord & Savior or not. Of course I can be there at that point & lead them in prayer but I am not “responsible” for their choice if they choose not to follow Him!
I can’t make them choose Him, I can only be faithful in my life witness before Him & share my relationship & the good news with them!
Phew what a load off!
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration anytime!
Jennifer
What a load off indeed! Thank you!
I don’t know where or when I first heard the monkey phrase either, but I love it too. God’s grace is big enough for everybody, and we don’t have to dip our toe into everybody’s waters. Thanks for this reminder to let God be God.
Amen and amen, Lisa. Thank you!
This post made me smile, Bethany. My variation on this saying this past year has been, “This isn’t my circus, but these are still my monkeys.” Your three points definitely apply to this one too! I also like how you point out that humility precedes the casting of cares … Hugs, friend!
Oh that variation sounds even trickier to me… having partial responsibility but not authority…I’m tucking that one away in my heart. Glad the points are applicable and Thank you!! When I find casting my cares is hard, humility usually makes it easier haha. Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me Lois!