I so often pray for guidance. What should I do next? How do I help this child? Where should I go to school? Is this a good time to move? But one day as I was writing out all my concerns, I noticed the word guidance and I kept seeing “dance” at the end of the word. 

I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. It’s more an action of following than being given orders and marching off to accomplish it in my own effort.

In couples dancing when two people try to lead, nothing feels right, the movements don’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. I have been guilty of this when taking ballroom dancing lessons with my husband. I had trouble following because I was sure I knew what the next step should be. Eventually, the instructor asked me to close my eyes and concentrate on following.

When one person follows, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw “G”: I thought of God, followed by “U” and “I”. God, “U” and “I” dance.” God … you, and I dance.

What stopped me from following God (and my husband’s dance cues), was that I didn’t trust they knew the right moves. I hate to admit those times I really didn’t trust God would lead me on the best path, and I was still wanting control.

So, I closed my eyes and concentrated on following God and letting Him lead me step by step, believing He knows what’s best. I stopped trying to tell God what my next steps should be and became more open to following His gentle cues. As a result, I was more at peace. I realized it’s more about who I am with than where I am going, and the journey and dance of following Him brought constant surprises and joy.

My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and guide you through each season of your life.