I love to explore the new and exciting; experiences that challenge me intellectually, spiritually and yes, physically. It brings a sense of accomplishment when I adjust, incorporate and understand yet a deeper level of life. I really do invite this . . . when it's my idea. If I want to learn a new way to run, swim or even ride a bike I do it. If I want to read a new author, a new topic or even a new recipe; I dive in.
But . . . . new and different that comes from an outside source is a whole different story. These new ways that I referred to in my last post are really hard. It's ideas and perspectives that are outside of my realm of acknowledged experience and comprehension. It makes me uneasy.
I'm learning how to dance again and having to learn new steps, not the old familiar but the new and uncomfortable. I'm sharing some of my missteps to help you maybe identify some of your own and perchance we may dance better together. So here we go.
Misstep, "I am alone". I've been living this for a long time. Early childhood through my 50's. I've believed this, exclaimed this and experienced this. At first it was the message that was given to me by others, imprinted on my psyche and responded in survival mode. It kept me going, it helped me exist. It's not working anymore. It's a lie.
I am realizing in my dance of life, I've lived many lies subconsciously. This isolation one is huge. Every encounter with another being I continually connect with where I don't connect! I observe how we aren't alike and how we are different. It has affirmed my dance of lies. God has revealed this to me. I've known for a long time that God promises to never leave me or forsake me, and that the presence of God would be with me always. But I have not often danced a dance of joy that God is with me. I've instead kept in step with the liar who has told me I am alone. The deceiver has done a good job of keeping me from walking/dancing in the truth.
I'm onto him now. I don't capitalize any reference to this destroyer of humanity for a reason, he is my enemy. The One Who is Truth has been waiting a long time for me to see that beautiful arms of mercy are beckoning me to dance. My Dance Partner is for life; despite my trips, fumbles and false steps. I am only sad it has taken me so long to realize my Bridegroom has been waiting, longing, and calling me to dance together, not alone, but in beautiful tandem as only lovers can. The music is set to truth and love with mercy adding a harmony of beautiful depth. This is new territory, I truly am an infant, but I do so want to learn and I have an incredibly loving, patient partner and for that I am deeply grateful.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ, Jesus. There is only revelation for transformation. Come join and leap with me!
Inspiring, inviting post! Reaching for this myself. This is the gospel that woos/wins. (PS: I've also realized I don't want to capitalize any in-print reference to the enemy!)
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