I Hope You Dance

I'm not a big fan of County Western Music, but a song was brought to my
attention a while back through the death of a friend. I was told that her
favorite song was "I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack, so I looked it up
on the Internet and was impressed and encouraged by the words on the song.

In the past two weeks we have lost two of our wonderful church family
members. Both of these ladies were unable to do a lot of things that many of
us take for granted everyday. Yet, they both had an irrepressible spirit
that said they were going to do the best and make the most of life whenever
they could. They smiled often and laughed a lot, kidded and joked in a way
that if you didn't know it you would not have guessed they were in as bad
shape physically. They both were fun to be around and you enjoyed being with
them because they made you feel good.

I think their philosophy of life could be summed up by the words of the song
I mentioned. Notice a few lines from it: "I hope you never loose your sense
of wonder... you get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger. Whenever
one door closes I hope one more opens. Promise me that you'll give fate the
fighting chance... give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." There
is much more to the song, but I think you get the idea.

The writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 writes, "To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time
to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A
time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build
up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to
dance.."

If you are anything like me, dancing may not be your thing, but I don't
think God is literally telling us he expects us to dance. I believe the
concept is that there should be rejoicing in our lives. I have been known to
"jump for joy," or shout "YES!" when I'm feeling good or had a victory.

So, when all is said and done lets pray that there is more done than said.
Each of us should perhaps spend more time dancing (rejoicing, counting our
blessing) or however you want to phrase it. As it said in the song, for each
of you, I hope you dance.

May our God give you a spirit of rejoicing now and forever!

Russ Lawson