My heart is stirred by a noble theme. It is not the first time. But I will not let it go this time.
He comes to me in the early morning hours. I wait, listening for the wind but hear none. It’s too early for the birds so I lie in silence. Only the sounds from within fill my head, like words pressing against my ears wanting escape. These thoughts come to me, doubts and wonder mixed together, like siracha honey cream cheese.
I made it through the event on His strength, not mine.
I sat reading as I do at the start of the day, head bowed, chest weighted with anticipation and fear the duties of the day were greater than my strength. He knows I am weary. He allows it. I wonder why He asks this of me when He sees me in all of my weakness.
I have written out the words I have prepared to speak to 1000 children and the accompanying adults, all those supporting them. I want to support them. I have asked Him what to say and prayed that it would be His Presence and not mine that people see. With this, I gain the confidence I need to prepare for the day. I dress quickly, stopping to make a concoction of protein and fruit to take with me and am out the door.
I move through the day with ease and joy that astounds me. He is with me and all around me. I had asked this as I walked the halls of the stadium, praying for His blessing on all who passed through. I hear laughter and music, see gentleness, glowing smiles, and shining eyes all throughout the day.
We work hard but efficiently and share lunch, break bread together, all those who, like me, believe in the mission of our work to bring joy, health, and creativity to our city through dance. Dance is so much more than meets the eye, I say this over and over again. Dance is the heart in motion, stirring the spirit to new life, busting through darkness, bringing this miraculous joy and restoration. I believe they have all witnessed this today.
His hand is on me. At times it feels heavy, for He has allowed much sickness in my family, yet through this He has drawn us near to His own heart. A heart that knows all suffering and grief. It has allowed us to set aside our own ambitions and be trained to fight His good fight. In sickness we have found wholeness, in grief, our joy.
I know His joy is before me but it is also in me, coming at the most unexpected moments. His light is around me, His warmth–this healing strength–in me, His grace is ever before me. I am His dwelling place.
My days now have but one focus. To live for Him, for I, too, have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but He who lives in me. I accept what comes with the same hope of renewal that dance brings to the children. I see the light in their faces and feel His light.
I wait with great anticipation on days that seem confusing. The world rushes by faster and faster. Who hears His voice? I want to be with them. I want more of Him and less of the world except for its beauty, the touch of His glory in all creation.
The sky is lightening now, I sip coffee…stillness at the break of dawn, this exquisite peace.,,His love knows no limits. Yes, my heart is stirred by a noble theme.
Beautiful Debbie❣️
Love you,
G
Thank you G ❤️
Wonderful thoughts, words, and photos. You are doing important work … molding these precious kids.
Excellent Deb, it is so amazing how God can just produce at the drop of a hat, love that flows out from Him, through us, to others. Grace and blessings as always!
Thanks so much Christina. You certainly understand.
Don’t stop the flow, right Bruce?! Blessings back!
Beautiful Debbie, Thanks so much for sharing that. It reminds me again that He gives us his strength in our weakness, that He shows us evidence of his presence through the beauty in the world and he gives joy for the journey.a journey where we also know pain, loss and suffering.
Thank you Martha. Glad we’re in this together. ❤️
Such a beautiful post of gratitude in the midst of everything, dearest Deb! What an inspiration you and your beautiful heart are to all of us. And you write from the depths of your soul such poetic prose as to make my heart swell with thankfulness to God right along with you! Love the photos as well! This is a perfect post! Love and hugest of hugs! <3 <3
A gift of love—your words and YOU. Happy Mother’s Day dear Lynn! ❤️ Sending love back.
Sant Andreu Jazz Band (1) – Reial Swing
https://youtu.be/FZr_MrwktKo
You’ve captured such joy on the young children’s and adults’ faces, Deb – wonderful! 🙂
Thanks Felipe. Their faces have always been the best part of the dance for me. 🙂
Deb,
Each time you share a piece of your heart/ your soul,
you make all of us richer. Thank you.
sarah