Dancin' Queen (or King)


Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf. 
–Rabindranath Tagore


There are a number of times in Scripture where the protagonist in the story decides to dance. For instance, King David dances in the streets before the Ark of the Lord, with great vigor, reckless abandon, and joy (and very little clothing) (2 Samuel 6). His wife is embarrassed; his subjects are surprised, but nearly as excited as he was.

Last Sunday, many preachers were preaching from Mark 6:14-29, the recounting of John the Baptist’s beheading, which came about as a result of some very vigorous dancing on the part of Herod’s wife Herodias. The young girl’s dancing was son wonderful in Herod’s eyes that he offered her whatever she wished—and her conniving mother convinced her to request John’s head, delivered on a platter. Prideful Herod acquiesced.

Like Pontius Pilate, who really would have preferred not to be involved in Jesus’ crucifixion and washed his hands of the affair, keeping his reputation intact, Herod’s desire to “save face” in front of his dinner guests made him forget about doing the right thing; instead, he did the popular thing. Pleasing his friends mattered more than pleasing God.

Every day, the world places us in a position where we have a choice: we can live the Love God gifted us to live. We can speak out to oppose injustice. We can proclaim 2018 the year of God’s favor. Or—we can be silent. We can avert our eyes to the ugliness and pain we perpetrate on one another. Every day, the choice is ours to make. Choose wisely. Live well.

Monday Do you have a “change jar”? Begin today. Put your loose change into a jar each evening. As the jar fills, choose a charity that changes lives and donate. 2 Samuel 6:1-5

Tuesday Hug someone today. (Ask first.) Tell them with words what they mean to you. 2 Samuel 6:6-8

Wednesday Do you enjoy singing with the radio? Let the song in your heart cross your lips today, and don’t be embarrassed if someone hears you. J 2 Samuel 6:9-10

Thursday Allow yourself to be God’s presence today to someone who needs it. Listen. Allow them to laugh, cry—whatever they need. Simply be there. 2 Samuel 6:11-15

Friday As you go about your day, be aware of the little things people do—and say thank you with a smile. 2 Samuel 6:16

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, ask God to heal a painful broken place in your life. Rest in God’s presence and give thanks. 2 Samuel 6:17-19

Sunday Do a random act of kindness today—and try not to get caught. Keep it a secret between you and God. 2 Samuel 6:20-23

Let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. –Khalil Gibran

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