2017 began in a very strange way. We began the year with a church-social with a couple of professional ballroom dancers teaching us a few ‘moves’. If you’ve ever seen me dance, you’ll know that the term ‘move’ is a little optimistic. ‘Dad-Dancing’ doesn’t do it justice.It involves shifting my weight from one foot to the other roughly in time to the music. The event proved so popular, we’re now hosting a six-week ballroom for beginners course at the church from 16th March (see the Godstone Baptist Church website for details).
I’m starting to appreciate the sense of joy there is in it. Dancing is what you do when fear is replaced with relief. When oppression is turned into freedom. When your greatest enemy crumbles and you stand victorious on the other side of the battle- You dance. Britain did it at the end of the Second World War. They danced in the streets.
God’s people did it on the other side of the Red Sea after Egypt’s great army was washed away. The women of Israel danced as David and the Army returned after defeating Goliath. “Women came out from all the towns along the way to celebrate and to cheer, and they sang and danced for joy”. 1 Sam 18.
I know what you’re thinking guys; “dancing is for girls, right?” Wrong!
Dancing is also what you do when something long hoped for is finally realised. When your dreams become reality. When your team lifts the cup. When your number comes up.
God promised once that his people would return to their home land- and he said this would be the scene:
“Tears of joy will stream down their faces… The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” Jeremiah 31
I once took the funeral once of a lady who loved to dance. I told the congregation that I strongly suspected she was dancing in heaven at that very moment. What else can you do when your last enemy- death- is defeated and you stand on the other side of that victory? What do you do? You dance!
What else can you do when what you’ve waited for- dreamed for and worked for finally becomes a reality? When you find yourself ‘home’ at last with the Lord in the place he’s promised you. What do you do? You dance!
So I’ll be there on the 16th March with my dancing shoes on and my two left feet. Despite the news headlines, I’ll be dancing. I want to get some practice in before the real show starts. Join me if you dare!
– Phil
