… though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move about and exist … (Acts 17:27-28)
I take my wife by the hand. “Will you dance with me?”
She tips her head to indicate, of course. With her hand on my shoulder, we draw close.
“I’ll meet you again in the left corner, next to the band,” she whispers, drops my hand, and meanders off.
I scratch my head as she chats with this couple, then that one, and finally makes her way to the designated meeting place. She shoots a look that says, I’m waiting.
I walk over and embrace her once again.
“North side, center square.” She walks away.
Anyone watching would say we are the worst dancers on the floor. There’s no joy in meeting at prearranged locations and then moving around as singles—no shared timing, no tender exchanges, nothing to daydream about later.
I often treat Jesus like that. Perhaps I meet with him in the morning and then I ignore him all day except for one or two prayer glances.
My actions say, I’ll see you in church or at the place of my next crisis, if it comes before Sunday. Then I waltz by myself.
I’m not meant to move through life without Jesus as my partner. My Father made elaborate plans for so much more. My waking, employment, and entertainment times can all be spent with the One who is closer than a friend.
I’m not abandoned in this frightening mystery called life. Instead, Jesus holds his arms open. He is swaying to heaven’s music and ready to teach me the art of real dancing.
Prayer: Holy Spirit of Jesus, may I follow your every move this day.