A few weeks ago, I attended a music festival. It was a casual setting in an open field with
vendor booths lining the perimeter. The
crowd of people, spread across a sea of picnic blankets and lawn chairs, enjoyed
the music and conversation with friends. As one of the bands played a familiar
song, I caught a glimpse of a scene I hope to never forget. A man was dancing with his daughter who had special needs. His adoration for her was
obvious. She clearly had his heart and
every ounce of his attention. She, on
the other hand, had difficulty focusing.
She looked away at times and struggled to follow his lead. Each time she wandered, he lovingly looked
into her eyes, brushed the hair out of her face, smiled, and continued the
dance.
The song that serenaded them could not have been more
appropriate. It began, “I am sure all of
heaven’s heard me cry as I tell you all the reasons why this life is just too
hard.” I get that. I understand “hard”. I have a brother with special needs. The sentiment of the father resonated with
me…his resolve, his fight, and his determination to trust and believe in spite of his circumstances.
My mind has wandered back to the dance on that field over
and over in recent weeks as I have struggled through a new trial. Each recollection left me fixated on the
courage and determination of the father.
I focused on his steadfastness and persistence. I wanted so much to look into the face of my own challenge and valiantly fight through it…as if that was my primary
function in this battle. I felt like I
was failing miserably. There were days I
could hardly breathe, much less fight.
My life didn’t at all reflect the resolve that was so beautifully
demonstrated for me that day.
And, then it hit me….it was never my role to lead the
dance. I am the broken daughter. I am the one who is so desperately in
need. I am the one who can’t even walk
without His hand to guide me. And in
those moments when I lose focus, I am the one who needs Him to lovingly look
into my eyes, brush the hair out of my face, smile, and continue the dance. My only job is to follow the lead of my
Father, to experience Him, and to embrace His courage and His persistence. He will do the fighting for me. He is faithful. He adores me.
He is a marvelous God, and knowing Him is everything.
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