. . .and a Time to Dance

We were told as youngsters that we weren't supposed to dance, but no one could clearly explain why. Maybe they associated dancing with the wicked women who frequented the honky-tonks out on the highway. I don't know the reasoning, but I'm sorry for any society that forbids dancing.

dance /dæns, dɑns/ Show Spelled [dans, dahns] danced, danc·ing,

verb

1. to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, especially to the accompaniment of music.

2. to leap, skip, etc., as from excitement or emotion; move nimbly or quickly: to dance with joy.

My granddaughters started dancing lessons soon after they started walking. The first recitals were a mix of pride and humor as they concentrated on finding their place in the dance lines. I have watched them grow into beautiful young women, with the confidence and grace that comes from dancing. I have watched them make the music and movement into art that left me in tears.

David danced with joy before the Lord. Just like always, there were those who scoffed and made fun of him out of jealousy. But David didn't care; he just kept right on dancing.

Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance! Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water. Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this! Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit. Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths, All through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing, Dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys. Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing! ~Psalm 65:9-13

It is a sad life indeed that never feels the joy of dancing, whether it is in the privacy of your home or on the world's stages.

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Faith, Folklore, and Friends

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