Opinion
Keep dancing your journey with God
Ruth Lilley enjoys watching the well-known dancing contest on TV, and the persistence of the competitors reminds her of her journey with God.
There are several reasons why I like this time of year. I love to see the colours, feel the crispness of the early morning or, at the other end of the day, snuggle under a blanket and watch a popular dancing show! I have always been a fan of the show, in particular seeing those who have never danced a step achieve some really quite amazing results. The contestants often comment that they have been on a journey, one which they have been willing to share with us.
It reminds me that I too am on a journey, for which I am grateful as it enables me to see the tricky seasons in a different light. Just as there are highs and lows on the dancefloor each week, so there are days and even moments when I could not have anticipated how I might feel. As I travel each step, I have been imprinted with the knowledge that even though it looks or feels a particular way right now, it doesn’t mean that it will always feel this way.
Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people; praise His holy name.
For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime;
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
(Psalm 30: 4-5, 11-12, NIV)
In God, I am able to see and feel a different perspective which lifts me above my circumstances. With every sun comes a new day and in Him, I can take courage to see and feel a brighter day.
As the show continues, I watch the contestants put in the training, adding a plaster here, a strip of tape there, and finding that resilience to keep going even when it is tough. I too need to keep up with the training; ensuring that I am taking in things that are good through reading my Bible, receiving Truth as I listen to worship songs. Making the right choice of grace and hope even when it is not easy. Knowing that when I fall down, I can rise up stronger by lifting my gaze to the One who gives amazing grace.
So, I shall put on my dancing shoes and keep journeying.
The image is by Bernard-Verougstraete from Pixabay
Ruth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’
The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norwich and Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users.