Because we don’t have a regular couch in our Michigan cottage, Jack has chosen the next best thing as his favorite place to get comfy, an old wing chair. Although I won’t let him climb on the beds (and used mouse traps to convince him), I do let him snuggle in the well-worn easy chair.
Despite loving a soft place to rest, however, Jack’s absolute favorite place to be is outdoors, and his most loved outdoor spot is the beach.
Whenever we arrive there, whether it’s 90 degrees or ten below zero, he initiates his visit with what we call his “happy dance.” He throws himself down on his back with vigor and rolls from side to side, all four legs punching the air. It’s an upside-down hula as he wiggles his hips from side to side like he’s hearing music the rest of us can’t.
He’s taught his cousin-dog Sydney to do the happy dance, and together they thrash around on their backs like a couple of canines-possessed. Mary and I laugh at their abandon, wondering what on earth could possibly be appealing about getting sand and snow up your nose and in your eyes.
But that’s dogs for you. When Jack is doing his happy dance and I’m thinking he looks like an idiot, that doesn’t stop him, nor does he mind my having that opinion. He’s so pleased to be at the beach that his glee just bursts out of him in that way. I wish I could let joy burst out of me like that, not necessarily by rolling around on my back but maybe by singing loudly or twirling in a clumsy dance… even in front of others.
Five of our seven kids have spent time in Youth With A Mission, and each has described the unique worship services they’ve been a part of, all far different than their conservative church background. Part of the lively nature of YWAM worship is due to the happy conglomeration of students from a variety of countries and cultures. But most of it is just a wholehearted response to a deep love of God that bursts out in animated joy.
There’s dancing in the aisles, clapping, tears, waving of arms and hands, running around, spontaneous praying and more. If I was there, my most enthusiastic participation might be a turning up of palms, but that would only happen after I stopped staring at everyone else doing what I wished I could.
I can’t help it if I’m a conservative Swede with a straight-laced upbringing. But my heart for the Lord makes me eager for heaven where I have a hunch inhibitions will fall away and we’ll all be able to happy-dance with abandon, just like the YWAMers…
…and just like Jack.
“Young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” (Jeremiah 31:13)
Well, I know for sure that your Dad was a conservative Swede, but your Mom was definitely a wild Irish woman;-) And Swedes have changed their behaviour over the years with influence from all different people moved here from all over the world. Good for us! And for the record; I think you are more like your Mom;-)
Reminds me of a section of the movie, The Mission, where the man realizes he is forgiven – and doesn’t have to carry his heavy burden anymore. And he cries and laughs and rejoices with great abandonment as the idea powerfully hits him!
This reminds me of a comment my adult son made a few minutes after Jake had died.Jake was a VERY quiet person,almost shy at times.Steve looked at his lifeless body and said,Dad was so quiet,but I bet he’s whooping and hollering it up in heaven right now.I think he was right.Doing the happy dance.
Ruth
Don’t wait until you get to heaven to be free to be you! Your enthusiasm just might be contagious for others to boldly do something zany. It took me years to realize that by trying to please others with how I performed, which robbed me of the joy of being myself which in turn robbed others of being themselves. Most of us tend to do as others. But there are a chosen few who open the gate to dance through with a boisterous song and dance. Those who critisize may do so with jealousy that they can’t feel free enough to do that, others may be so burdened with fears and insecurity, that it squelches the joyous life flow God created us to express. I have found that if I am laughed at for doing something zany, at least it brought a smile to a face and laughter to a heart clouded with negativity. Little Skylar is the epitome of being herself before she attains what society will say is acceptable. From the first day we are born, the devil will do whatever he can to rob us of our true identity and expression of joy. “and He will turn your mourning into dancing”.
Zephaniah 3:17 – ‘The Lord, thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice (or ‘dance’ in another version) over thee with joy. He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.’ See – God does a happy song and dance over His own.
Let’s all make this a day of dancing and singing, if not by limb and larynx, then by heart.
We ALL need the “Happy Dance” for all we have been given….eternal gifts.
Great post today. TLC – marvelous words, we forget that God made us as we are and we are to rejoice and be glad. Individuality is precious. Let’s not be lemmings.
Great post, Midge….and TLC ..so right on
It took me years, too, to not be concerned with what others think, say or do about what I do…but what freedom I have – in Christ Jesus – to be myself and ‘not care’ what others think. I LOVE to clap my hands, lift my hands and sway, dance, play the tambourine…what fun!! REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE !!
Whether it’s in corporate worship or alone one the beach or in your house, PRAISE HIM !!