JUST ONE MORE DANCE---

When I was a pre-teen, I took ballroom dancing classes in Farmerville.  I do not remember who taught them, but I do remember taking them.  As a teen, I figured out how much I loved to dance.  I never missed an opportunity to dance, and might have even been guilty of creating an occasion a time or two to enjoy the rhythm of the music.  Our class had the first prom at my high school.  It was frowned upon ---you KNOW what dancing can lead to!  It was a fun night that I remember well.  My date for the night has not spoken to me since---not sure WHAT I did?

When I started college, I took ball room dancing again.  I GOT AN A!  There is a story behind that A--it is ALL about whom you pick to be your partner!  I danced my college years away and then I danced again as a young adult.  LOVED TO SHAKE A LEG!

There was a day that finally came along that I learned I was not up to
 par in most areas of my life.  I stopped dancing---I was intimidated and self conscious--fearful of judgement.  On rare occasions, I would join in and dance--but the dye had been cast and my self-image struggle took over.  How I regret missing all those dances.  A lifetime of sitting on the sidelines!

As I walk the sidewalks, hills, paths, and roads here in Fort Worth, I once again have put my earbuds in to entertain myself as I trek along.  I have a wide spectrum of music on my playlist---Opera to country and all in between---and LOTS of Christian contemporary.  I am walking to the beat---I have not lost the rhythm.  While cleaning the garage apartment today, I found myself dancing while scrubbing---enjoying the beat and the joy of dancing.

God is teaching me how He feels about me---He is stripping away layer after layer of self debasement and low self-image.  He is showing me how to dance onto Him---for His good pleasure.  Let go--and forget who is watching--just enjoy the moment.  It is not always easy---I still fall in the trap of the pit of self consiousness --but I am not giving up.  Perhaps someday---He will allow me one more dance---all for His glory.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Isaiah 41:13