Dance With Me

Do you ever find yourself humming a little tune while you tackle the household chores? Have you ever stopped mid-hum and realized it was a tune from your past? A special memory?

This happened to me the other day and it brought back sweet memories of my mother swinging her grandchildren around in a dance while singing “Dance with me, Henry”.

This was such a silly song, but one that came from the memories of her childhood. Sharing this with my children gave them memories of their own. Upon reflection in that moment of humming, the thought came to me that life is made up of a series of those small little memories and experiences, and that life is indeed a dance.

Then came the pondering. (Those who know me know that the pondering always comes.) What are the small little memories that I am creating for my children? Who am I dancing with?

When my children look back on their childhood, what will they think of me? Will they remember me as “Mama who showed the love of Christ”, “Mama who smiled and laughed”, or “gentle and kind Mama”?

Or will I be remembered as “Busy Mama”, “Stressed Out Mama”, or “Mama with no joy”? Will they have memories of silly dances and secret giggles, or will their childhood be remembered as something less?

“Rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonian 5:16). “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11). Is the joy evident in me, especially to my children? Is your joy evident to your family?

If you are like me the honest answer is some days “YES”, some days “NO”. But the good news is that we can continue to work in this area, and God will be our guide.

“The Fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22). I can do this! YOU can do this! We all struggle at times. We all feel burdens and stresses. But the great truth is that we have a mighty and awesome God who will carry those burdens upon his shoulders so that we might find rest.

With rest comes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness.
As I dance through this life of mine, I want Jesus as my partner. Do you? I would much rather sway to and fro in his safe and loving arms than to dance to my own beat, alone and afraid. I would much rather demonstrate the love of Christ to my children, than leave them to find God on their own. I would much rather be remembered as “Mama who loved Jesus”.

What kind of memories are you making with your children? Are those Fruits of the Spirit recognizable in you, and how can you improve in that area?