What Are You Chasing?

One of the most iconic and storied movies of the past few years is The Greatest Showman, a story based on the life of famed circus creator, P. T. Barnum.

Most of us can relate to what we call the “chase” of P. T. Barnum.

A man who comes from poverty, Barnum wins the heart of his childhood sweetheart, a young woman raised in wealth and the social status that comes with it. And even though she never asks for it, Barnum vows to give her the life her parents provided her growing up.

One of the most beautiful images of lowly beginnings happens early in their marriage, up on the rooftop of their humble apartment building. Now with two little girls, the family’s laughter fills the night sky as their dancing silhouettes move effortlessly between clotheslines hung with sheets. That rooftop moment captures a scene we all long for. Everyone together. Present in the moment. Full of joy.

Except for Barnum himself. Deep within, he remains unsettled, his face showing it all. Longing to soak in the pure joy of the moment but driven to prove he has what it takes to give his family a life of grandeur, Barnum starts chasing—success, fame, and fortune.

Maybe you can relate. Perhaps you know the tension of being in one of these rooftop moments, watching your kids play without a care in the world. And all the while, you’re trying to settle the flying monkeys in your mind, trying not to ruin the purity of the moment, trying to soak in the joyous laughter.

Chasing seemingly important, temporarily fulfilling, but ultimately vain pursuits of fame outside of the home might seem subtle now, but they can lead to a loveless marriage, disconnected family, divorce, affair, or deep regret later in life. King Solomon pondered a similar thought when he said, “All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough” (Ecclesiastes 6:7). Put another way, “We work to feed our appetites; meanwhile our souls go hungry” (Ecclesiastes 6:7 msg). And to keep us chasing, our spiritual adversary uses the ordinary stuff of everyday life against us—long hours, travel, finances, kids, activities, even our past—so that we’ll drop our guard with our family. The Spiritual hunger can be satiated by the Holy Spirit.

What most occupies your mind in the figurative, or perhaps literal, rooftop moments with your family? In other words, what are you chasing? How can living from your identity as a child of God, from His love for you, help you be more present?

Your real legacy as a parent happens when you drop the counterfeit chase to prove your worth and choose to chase with courage those seemingly obscure rooftop moments day after day through the love of Jesus. Everyone together. Present in the moment. Full of joy.