The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 NIV
Delighting in Dance
My mind drifted as I stared out the window in quiet thought. An image of my daughters dressed up to go to the Father-Daughter Dance with my husband donning his Marine Corps Dress Blues appears in my mind. Our girls were so delighted to buy new dresses, paint their nails for the occasion and even sat still while I did their hair. Then they twirled around waiting for Daddy to take them to the dance that beautiful May day.
It was sunny and my girls were squeals and giggles as my husband bent down on his knee to give each one a rose he had picked out for them for this special occasion. The girls were so little, almost 8 and barely 6, young, sweet and innocent and my mind wanders to the last time I can remember being so delighted and carefree.
Remembering my fourth birthday, I received a purple raincoat and matching purple umbrella and though it was a hot muggy August day in North Carolina, I wore that coat all day. It didn’t bother me as I pulled out the umbrella to block the hot sun as I danced around our pine needle covered yard. Happy and free and in love with my new my life. Oh, how I loved purple.
Another memory flashes in my head of me at age eight wearing a blue dress I had received from my grandma. I recall a twirly skirt and a white sash around the waist and I feeling like a princess every time I put it on. It seemed I wore it to church every Sunday. Often, I would try it on throughout the week and have tea parties with my Cabbage Patch Kids in my bedroom. I loved dancing, spinning, twirling in that beautiful dress.
When Was the Last Time You Danced?
What happened to that innocence? There don’t seem to be many moments I can remember from my own cherished memories. When was the last time you twirled about carefree? Maybe you have never had that opportunity.
Adults often think of “spinning” and “spiraling” as words that mean my life is out of control. If life were a dance, it would feel like we were stuck in a spin pattern, trying to break free from the chaos. We have become tired and worn out from trying to keep up with all of the new “dance moves” and expectations to become someone amazing.
Imagine for a minute what it would look like to go to the perfect dance with that handsome Mr. Right. Perhaps this comes easily to you because you’ve experienced this perfect dance in the past. Maybe you dream of the day this perfect dance will happen to you. Or maybe you are waiting for the dance you are currently spinning in to end with a “Happily Ever After”.
The idea of dancing may have lost its appeal a long time ago with the dreams of childhood. Have you ever wondered where the dreams of that little girl have gone? Or maybe you forgotten who she was all together. The pace of life and the desire to keep up has left many of our hearts tattered and torn. We are often focused on all of the hiccups, hurts and failures our hearts have struggled with along the way. Many of us have not had time to slow down, let alone look out the window to remember our past. There never seems to be a quiet moment.
And yet…God sent us a rescue from our distractions, destruction and desperation. He sent us an invitation to the dance of a lifetime. Are you ready to get swept off your feet?
Your Invitation to Dance with God
Regardless of where you are in the story, here’s the thing: God is inviting you into the dance. He is giving you the time to prepare your heart for all the good things He has for you. The King of Kings wants you to know that He sees you, loves you and cherishes you. Holy Spirit is with you in this process, inviting you into intimacy, while He prepares you for the dance of a lifetime.
Sound too good to be true? Or does it sound far fetched that the God of creation is inviting you into such an intimate dance? Maybe you don’t feel prepared for something so…romantic, relational, foreign. Whatever your heart is feeling, I ask you to consider coming with me on a journey for the next seven weeks as I begin to unpack this marvelous mystery with you and The King.
You see, the invitation has been sent. You are reading it now and the King is waiting for your response. Will you accept the invitation to the dance of a lifetime? We are going to begin preparing you for that beautiful occasion. There is planning and preparation that must first take place and it’s always more enjoyable to prepare with a friend.
My prayer for you is that you begin to dream a little this week as you prepare your heart for our next meeting. Dream about your future dance with the King. Remember what your hearts desires were as a little girl as go throughout your day. I hope you accept the invitation to the dance.
Blessings,
Kimberly Swaim
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So proud of you. The Lord directs your steps and your thoughts. Love you, Sammie
Thank you Sammie! He truly does direct me my steps. I am learning to listen more every day and choosing to follow.
I love the beauty of how the story started, I have always dreamed of a beautiful dance. The ball gown changes somewhat at times, always the grand ballroom!!! Yet, I totally relate to the loss of that dream at times. Thanks for the encouragement.
Awe yes, we do change the dress at times. Or maybe, we are just adding layers to it. That makes me think of the wedding dresses that some women wear and they can remove the skirt or train after the ceremony. Then at the reception they can dance more freely.
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