My brother, Barry, passed away at the end of last year, but he would have been 75 today. I’ve been remembering when we were young and he was my dancing partner. I loved ballroom and I would still have enjoyed a burl at a family wedding if we hadn’t developed vertigo and arthritis respectively! Barry and I didn’t always dance together. He was two years older, so we often fell into different age groups in competitions. However, we were better dancers by far when we partnered each other.
In ballroom dancing the man has to lead and the woman follow. There should be such harmony that the dance flows seamlessly. Barry led well and made it easy for me. I knew instinctively when we would do a ‘spin turn’, perhaps through the slight turn of his shoulder, or through the touch of his hand I’d sense we were moving into the ‘whisk/chasse’ steps or a sideways lunge.
It’s a well known fact that music bands of siblings have the best harmonies. The Bee Gees, the Beach Boys and the Everly Brothers are just a few great examples. I think the same applies to dancing. We were brother and sister with a natural affinity and uninhibited closeness.
Jesus, my elder brother
Today, as I remember Barry, I’m grateful for yet another lesson I hope I’ve taken into my relationship with Jesus. Jesus is not ashamed to call us family (Hebrews 2:11). Those who obey the will of God are his brothers and sisters (Mark 3:35). My experience of ballroom dancing reminds me that I am not the leader. God always takes the initiative and I must follow. As I do so, he enables me to use the gifts and talents he’s given to ‘dance’ in the good works he’s prepared in advance for me to do (Ephesians 2:10). And in this Jesus is glorified.
Just as I was able to lean into Barry and sense his cues, however subtle, I want to lean into Jesus. I want to have that unspoken understanding of his ways that means I can follow his lead with grace, poise and perfect trust that he knows where we are going and the best steps to get us there.
Sometimes at rehearsals Barry and I would dance to a musical medley. The music would suddenly change from waltz to quickstep rhythm. Life can be like that when the pace quickens and without warning God seems to be leading in a very clear and definite direction, almost tango style!
Jesus is Lord of the Dance, so let’s delight in him as he directs our steps (Psalm 37:23).
Lenna’s Blog 
Thanks Lena, I enjoyed that and the lovely thought of moving in harmony with Jesus and allowing him to lead. Muriel was a ballet dancer up to the age of 17 and was involved in various shows and performances. But now as you say, old age brings with it still limbs and slowness of pace. But there is a day coming ….. 😊
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Wow! I also did ballet, but just till I was 14. Thanks for your encouragement. I was talking with Violet on Sunday and sharing how we miss Mary. PTL a day is coming…. 😊
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