The Beat Goes On

Music moves me. I don't like stillness, I feel the rhythm and melody in every step of this thing called life. I hum a lot. I dance a lot. Our children love to dance. And yet, lately, in this new year that I simply could not wait to turn the calendar to, I cannot find the beat. The dance I am dancing at this time feels awkward, out of time... with many missteps.

Rob and I attended our third funeral this year, yesterday. Our sister in law lost her father this past weekend. In her words, he was a kind and gentle man. He absolutely was. He had struggled for some time with illness, and as much as I like to say that he is whole and healed, I also grapple with the reality that it is never the right time to lose someone we love.

My nephew is learning this lesson all too well, as he discovered yesterday that a dear friend of his, only nineteen years old had died. A mentor and friend to my sweet nephew, he met this young man through the band, through music. And the beat goes on...it often amazes me that in the midst of our sorrow, in hard times and struggles, the dance continues. The music plays and we partner with others to sway and move to the rhythm of life. Up and down, loud and soft, life swirls around us in a cacophony of sound and energy. And even when the air around us feels thick with trouble, the beauty of notes pulled together in just the right way can shift our movements, our hearts, our lives.

Psalm 30:11 says, "You have turned my mourning into dancing, you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me in joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent."

We can almost hear the music speed up, lighter, simpler; perfect for rejoicing, celebrating. Truly, there are still celebrations to be had, joy to be shared.

Gwen accounts this week of Maggie's first surgery. How beautiful the spirit of this little girl and her family; The faith and trust they so eagerly offer to others, the healing that is about to occur in Maggie's life, in more ways than we could possibly comprehend. In a time that is filled with uncertainty and sadnesses, here glimmers the hope and encouragement that God has so readily promised. Kimberley was able to announce that they have found Sophia! Both Gwen and Kimberley, women who possess servant's hearts in all that they do, are dancing at this very moment, thankful for their daughters, seeking guidance for their futures. I encourage you to encourage them as they see God's plan unfolding and their dance taking shape.

So many have inquired about my dad, thank you. We are blessed that he is feeling well, back to work and finding his groove once again. He stopped today on his way to work. Though it was a busy morning and I was anxiously packing lunches, trying to feather some mascara onto my virtually nonexistant lashes and finding a plethora of necessary items to place on our feet, I was so grateful. Grateful that he danced into my kitchen, loved on my children and placed yet another bar of notes into an already brimming composition.

I have included pictures in this post of Emily at one of her dance classes. We are invited once a year to sit and visit in her classes, it is open forum for the mamrazzi. The lighting is terrible, the room is tiny and quite congested with all of us moms in there snapping away. But, I must confess, I am continually amazed by our fluid redhead, who sparkles and shines as she twirls and jumps, sashays and glides, finding her own rhythm and meter. Most days if you asked me who it is that has taught me the most, despite my years of formal training; it is unequivocally my Heavenly Father, who has most powerfully influenced the direction in which I dance. He blessed me with two tiny dancers, who like the music I love, stir my very soul.