Life's A Dance

One of my favorite things about the Bible is when Jesus tells a parable in order to explain something. It helps me to understand more about the character of God when it is put into terms that I am familiar with. The fact that sheep and shepherding are frequently referenced in the Bible is really cool to me because of growing up and raising sheep. Perhaps, I can relate to the story and draw out more meaning than many of my peers. For that I am thankful.

A comparison that isn't made in a parable but I think can still relate is that of ballroom dancing. I am still relatively new to ballroom but I have noticed some really cool parallels. I see God as a really great dance lead. He is strong and he knows what he is doing. I do not have to worry about where we are going because I trust that he has it under control. In fact, when I do start trying to lead is when the mistakes start cropping up. That half second of distrustful hesitation can lead to trips and collisions. In life and in ballroom some of the most beautiful and memorable moments are when the follower has to trust and give over control to the lead. Take dips or lifts for instance. It is always a flashy, crowd pleasing moment when one of these moves are performed. However, the lady has to place her weight in the arms of her lead. What if he drops her? She remembers being dropped before by other leads. Remembering the moments when this lead has supported her eases her mind. I think it is not too far reaching to compare to God. We have to put our trust in Him and relinquish control to His capable hands. Some of the best moments in life are the ones where we are completely out of control and God is the one making things happen. 

Another thing that comes to mind is the fact that as the lead pulls his lady around the floor, he does not just beckon her to him and then that is the end. They move together around the floor. As we pursue God and he pursues us, we are not striving to a static point. God draws us to a higher and higher level of communion with Him. 

So my last comparison is that in dancing and in life, there are moments where we are closer than other moments. Sometimes, it is part of the plan to be more independent and reach out to the world around us. At other moments, all that is wanted is for us to just stay close, heart to heart. 

Follow God. He will lead you in the way everlasting.  (Psalm 139:24b)