Thursday, October 29, 2009

Prelude to a Recital

When you were little, did you ever stand on an adult's feet ~ maybe your daddy, an uncle, cousin or older sibling ~ and as you stood on their feet, you held hands and "danced"? Actually, the adult was doing the dancing, but you heard the music, felt the movement, laughed and delighted in the dance. If you were anything like me, you asked to "do it again" when it stopped and when you were together again, you couldn't wait to dance. It was your own special time ~ your own special dance that no one else shared or knew.

As I have watched my in-laws during this year of change (move from CO to TX, cancer discovery & diagnosis, making decisions), it has been like watching them dance. At first, I thought I recognized some of the steps and would hum along. But, somewhere along the way, I couldn't hear the music anymore and the steps didn't always make sense. It was then that I realized they are each standing on Father's feet, holding His hands, and letting Him teach them the dance ~ their own special dance that no one else could share.

And so, it would seem that Father is beginning the last turns around the room. The music will begin to swell as Dad becomes more and more familiar with the music he hears. The final crescendo will end his dance here ~ we will weep with joy for the magnificent finale while at the same time crying tears of sorrow that the dance has come to an end.

But, that's just our side of the event! At the crescendo, Dad will make his entrance into the Grand Ballroom where Father will present him to all the other dancers. Dad will put his feet on the floor and give his first solo dance for Father while all the others sing along, swaying to the music that they can all hear ~ the song of heaven, the praises of our Redeemer.

We are beginning our approach to Dad's final dance on earth. I still can't hear the music, but I know Dad can. There are tears, laughter, sweet peace and calm ... as Dad gradually begins to move closer to Father's toes ...

Every one of us should be dancing! Father teaches us all the same steps ... just not necessarily in the same order. If you aren't sure of the steps, lean in, closer to his chest so you can hear the song. Learn to feel the tempo, to hear the phrasing of the melody as He moves His feet under yours, holding your hands, teaching you the dance He has choreographed just for you ... can you hear it ... hmmm-hmm-hmmm ...

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