Dance has always been something significant in my life. Yes, I took dance classes, but it’s always been so much more. It’s an outward expression of happiness and love…and, well, it’s one of my deepest and purest forms of worship. My living room can quickly become a holy place of worship as I pirouette and glide on the hardwood floor. Bound, leap, and step in time to the music. I love dancing for my audience of One!
I remember a time, longer ago than I’d like to admit, when my parents used to move our family room furniture to the perimeter of the room, turn on the music, and glide gracefully as one. Their steps were together, their spins in time, and their smiles…oh, their smiles! I secretly loved these times, even though they’d usually happen when a friend was over and as a teenager I’d have to put on the annoyed, embarrassed glare. I thought they were the best dancers…and, quite honestly, I haven’t met a more perfect couple yet.
It was in that very room that my father taught me the waltz, the two-step, and even the basic box step. He is such a terrific leader—strong, confident, sure. As a young girl I used to stand on his feet, and he’d always find a way to slip my name into the songs so that I was the object of admiration and affection. I loved it when he’d use his “John Denver” voice.
It’s no wonder that dancing is so dear to my heart. I associate it with togetherness, close bonds, love. I am now learning a new dance, and it is no longer my earthly father’s feet on which I am standing, but my heavenly Father’s. The steps I am taking now are steps of faith—ones which require complete trust and obedience. I’ll admit, I’ve butchered many steps, tripped over my own feet, and sat out a few bars. However, He’s always there with His righteous right hand outstretched and ready for another go. At times I’m strong enough to perform with my own feet, but at others He allows me to rest upon His while he strengthens me and prepares me for another number. I often have to remind myself of who’s leading this dance…it’s not me. We have lots of disputes over the choreography. I want to turn left, He says turn right, I want to swing, He says we’ll waltz. Or, maybe I think I’m ready to dance with that fellow, and He reminds me that everything has it’s time. He’s strengthening, teaching, and readying me to be the woman that He’s created me to be…the wife He’s created me to be…the mother He’s created me to be…so that my ultimate dance partner and I will compliment each other perfectly and dance the dance that was created just for us…
Blessings!
