Doin the Dance

Not everyday you get asked to dance...or is it?

Dancing with the Stars, America's Top Dance Crew, Step-up...yeah, yeah, yeah we all know Dori loves to watch dancing about as much as she loves to do it herself. Well, it was just the other night that I came to the realization that I am in a dance every minute of my life. Who is my partner? Jesus. Where do we dance? Out in the middle of the floor where all can see. I'm relating it more to the ballroom style here, but follow if you can.

Her partner and her spin round and round, seemingly as one. He is the perfect partner to frame his beautiful dancer. He and she at times move as one, then he lets her go and she is now in the center spinning, moving, in step with him though they are not touching. They reunite to continue the medley. She must let him lead of they are to remain as one. He trusts her and she trusts him. He again releases her hand as she glides over the hardwood floor. He watches from afar; both his and the audiences gaze wait in anticipation to see if she will do okay on her own. She stumbles, the people gasp; He remains calm. A slight look of panic crosses her face, but she quickly masks it over with the performer's smile. He, still calm, moves along with the routine, adjusting for her - giving her the cues needed to get back in time with the music. He does not dramatically rush to her, he just appears back beside her as if there all along. Her back to him she need not look into his eyes, she need not look down at their feet to make sure they are in sync. No, she just need feel His presence; she just need allow him to continue the lead. The dance is long, they knew going it would not be easy and the crowd, not easy to please, but the judge, He looks too with traces of a smile on his face. He doesn't remember the near fall; He sees the dance. The one who should be scouring from behind the table appears instead understanding, firm, but loving, pleased that they continue until the music ends.

Grace

I've been reading some good books lately. Philip Yancey's Disappointment with God and bits and pieces from Brennan Mannings The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus. The two titles are quite different. But a lot of the same principles surface to life's tough questions. The main thing I've learned lately is all about grace. Grace for myself. Me giving grace to myself. Me opening up to receive grace from God and others. Oooo...that's hard too, but which is harder?
Check it out, one of the books talked about how we are a teacher, doctor, bookkeeper, firefighter, etc, but more importantly we are human. If we fail at the former because of the latter, then good. It is in those times when we are the weak humans and realize we are not all that, sooo cool and knowledgeable, and gifted beyond belief that we learn how to love others. If we didn't come to this lightbulb moment then pride and selfishness would most likely get in the way; it is in our failure that we learn how to have true grace for others. No judging b/c I surely have the plank in my own eye.
And so my perspective has changed. I no longer see me as here and him as there. My ministry as better than that. Oh no, his and mine are of the same vine. Mine is equal to the other, not better, just different. No one way works to reach all peoples. Paul knew this, he was conscious of it and adjusted his lifestyle when necessary. However, even Paul could not reach everyone. God used others, men and women in the church, on the road, in the marketplace. God uses male and female at the wheel, in Wal-mart, waiting in line at the restaurant, chilling out next to the pool (yes, God can use us anywhere).
I am human. I am saved by Jesus' grace. I am aware of my great need for that gift of grace. I am grateful for the opportunity to extent it to others.

Quarter Life Crisis

I've recently decided my next undertaking (post grad school, mind you) will be to write my novel titled "1/4 life crisis" or something along those lines. Basically, we all know about the mid life crisis. There are books on it, speakers acknowledge it, and people joke about it in movies and on tv. What about the mid twenties crisis? If you are here, you know what I'm talking about. If you've passed the 24, 25, 26 mark (it's different for each person) and thought I'm not where I want to be, I'm not accomplishing the things expected of people my age, my brilliant plan was not so brilliant, I have yet to make my imprint on something really spectacular, etc, etc, then know you are not alone. In my vast experience, or more like the combined experiences of friends who have related stories of their own feelings and thoughts on the 1/4 life crisis, this is a topic that needs covered. If for no other reason than I like to ramble and rumble and put my thoughts down in order to think things through and let God take it where it will go, then yes, a book it is. Now we all know I'm big talk on this and really novels aren't my forte, but why not talk it up:)
So, I'm gonna leave you hanging on this one, this is the trailer, sneak preview, the book cover that draws you in and makes you want to read on. Oh yes, coming soon (okay, give me to like 2020) to a book shelf near you..."1/4 life crisis" (said is a cheesy announcer voice).
Until then

Simplicity

"There lies a fine line between simplicity and..." - Brown Sugar
Yeah, I don't remember the whole quote from the much acclaimed movie about falling in love with hip hop and it doesn't really apply to what I'm thinking about today.
I'm thinking I'm excited. It's coming time to start giving it away and packing up for a year on the move. Excited, yes. Nervous, you bet. Anxiously anticipating all that God is going to do. All I'm gonna learn, all the people He gets to touch through me and my classmates. Living with new people, being a part of the body of Christ around the world. Yeah, I'm excited. Now how about I start living it out now. How about I focus on today, as long as it is called today so that i can encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ along the way. Sounds like a great idea. I admit I've been distracted lately, unfocused, separated, weary of doing good; I'm ready to open up my heart again and let Him back in. Simple as that, again and again. The gift of grace. The realization that once again, I can't do it on my own...school, life, cancer, disease, distance, boys, girls, lust, time, energy, intelligence, serving, loving, leading...good or bad or somewhere in between...it's not about what I can do. it's about what He can do in me.
Yep, I'm ready for simple...I know deep down life isn't simple. I know deeper down that life with Jesus is simple...don't loose eye contact or the water won't be able to hold me up.
I will throw off all that hinders and run with perseverance the race marked out before me.