(Watching) Dancing my way into the New Year.

Well, here we are in 2022.  And we are STILL in the midst of the Covid pandemic.  As a matter of fact, so many of the "normal" things that had finally come back in late 2021, are now on pause, once again.  Lia and Ellie have been practicing for months with their Dance Connection special performing group, Spotlight.  These girls (and boys) work long hours, doing extra classes and learn extra dances, just to perform.  The purpose of this group is USUALLY to entertain at nursing homes and care facilities for the surrounding communities.  Then Covid, again.  So the very creative and wonderful owner and teachers of this studio, decided to do a series of shows for the community - aimed at children under 10.  The dancers whirled and twirled to the familiar music of Frozen.  There was limited attendance, social distanced and everyone wore masks.  The air purifiers were humming and the windows were cracked to help keep everyone safe.  The dancers wore 2 masks! The studio even zoomed for anyone who was unable to attend.   Was it worth the effort?  You bet!  

During the last two years, so many of us have become depressed and lost hope.  It has felt like we would never again be truly happy and at ease.  Even going to the grocery store causes anxiety, and it's not just the prices that make us feel queasy. We have become fearful and nervous around others - even sometimes our families.   Not only do we not want to get sick ourselves, but we certainly don't want to get others sick. So many have "taken sides" against each other.  Logic and common sense seem to have fallen by the wayside.   Yes, these are tough times.  But just take a look at those sweet, young faces.  They probably have many of the same feelings that you and I do.  In fact, I think it is much harder for the children and youth to process growing up in a world wide pandemic.  But I see HOPE and JOY and LIFE when I look at these photos.  There is determination and perseverance and hours of hard work.  And behind every one of these dancers are their families.  The moms and dads (and sometimes grandmas) that drive them to and from dance classes, over and over.  Who most likely make monetary sacrifices to pay for these classes.  Is it worth it?  You bet.  I don't think these dancers were giving Covid a second thought as they performed the day I watched the production.  They were listening to the giggles and claps of the children in attendance.  They were feeling the joy of the accomplishment of a job well done.  They were part of something bigger than themselves.  A common goal.  

I wish that all of you could watch this performance.  More than that, I hope that all of you take away a bit of the lesson I learned that day.  We can not stop living.  We have to find a goal to shoot for.  Make plans for the months ahead.  We need to figure out how we might bring a spot of joy and hope and life to those around us.  Even knowing that it takes hard work and perseverance.  A life lived for Jesus is a life that walks confidently - no matter what is happening around us.  We need to begin each day, covered in the armor of God so that the fear and isolation and anger about the pandemic don't overwhelm our hearts. Over the past week since this dance show, I have had more than one aggravation pop into my life.  It certainly helped to close my eyes and remember the freedom and joy I saw on the faces of the dancers that day.  And then I began to sing... "Let it go!"

Jesus, thank you for using ordinary things in my life to remind me of your plans and purposes that don't stop for Covid.  Holy Spirit, keep this message fresh and close in my mind and heart as I walk through the next days.  Jesus, keep us mindful of your presence as we face conflicts and disagreements, no matter what the topic.  Guide us to the people and places that you have purposed for us. Thank you for loving us all.  Amen
 

Another few days of dog sitting....and a "review" of an amazing show!

 

For a few days Ken and I are "Dog-sitting" Chandler (Gwen and Tim's dog) while they spend a few days on a much needed vacation.  This is the first time that we have had Chandler overnight without Gwen and Tim being here.  But Chandler has seemed right at home.  I am sure that the time I have spent at their house has helped Chandler really know me and I also know his routines.  Ken and I are enjoying being very part time pet owners.  For sure it has convinced us that we don't want to own a pet!  Having these times with our "grand-doggies" is just enough for us at this stage of our life!

Speaking of stages.....(how's that for a transition!) on Friday afternoon I saw both Lia and Ellie take to the stage as real performers!  They had been attending a drama camp during the week and there was a little show at the end of the camp.

This was the first time that Ellie had really taken part in a performance like this.  Her little group of five and six year olds did an amazing job of singing and dancing .  Ellie had several speaking parts and was so confident at the microphone!  We were amazed watching her sing and dance!

After this little program, the older kids had their turn.  I was so surprised to see Lia go the microphone to open the show!  Seeing her stand with confidence, at the microphone and sing made my heart so happy!  I was thinking about the first time I really heard Gwen sing like that (and she was much older).  I am sure that there will be many more "microphone times" ahead for Lia and Ellie!

You could just tell how much she was loving the singing and the dancing! The organization, Spotlight, that hosted this drama camp is a Christian group.  Both of the girls really flourished with the encouragement and prayer and guidance of the leaders.  The ability to perform with confidence was birthed in that nurturing environment.  There is no doubt that it makes a difference in how the children learn and the experience that they have during this camp.  I am sure that the girls will have future opportunities with this same group.  I can't wait to see more!

One of Ellie's songs was "A Bushel and a Peck".  My mom always said "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!" which came from this song.  And when Lia was really little I found myself saying the same thing to her.  I have continued to say that to all of the grandchildren.  When Ellie was on stage singing that song, I was thinking of how my mom would have loved to see that!  Lia's final song was "We Go Together" from the musical Grease.  And as Lia was at the microphone, singing her solo in that song, I was remembering the first time I heard that song.  It was May 2, 1979 and Ken had taken me to the theater to see the movie "Grease".  I was pregnant....VERY pregnant - actually overdue and very unhappy that this baby just didn't seem to want to be born.  This movie was Ken's attempt to make a very hormonal, crabby wife somewhat happier.  And it worked.  I loved the movie!  The next day I ended up in the hospital and the day after that, Gwen was born.  Every time I hear that song, I remember how happy I was that day.  And I was feeling that same amazing burst of happiness watching Lia, among her peers, singing and dancing!  

I love how Jesus gives us these seeming little things to remind us that we are living in a continuum of time.  Things from the past do have an impact on us, and we carry those into the future with us.  Ellie will have this little song in her spirit, and she will remember me saying those words to her.  And Lia is certainly a "little bird with a big voice" and she will be a voice to her generations.  I love that one line in that song "We Go Together" is  "We go together, just like brothers, we'll always be together".  I can see the Spiritual implications in that song.  When we are "brothers" in Jesus, we will always be together.  And Lia will be singing that to her generation.......

Jesus, thank you so much for songs that bridge generations.  Thank you for family, for furry friends and for times to celebrate.  Holy Spirit, help us all to be open to the times you remind us of our connections to the past.  Jesus, thank you for the leaders of Spotlight.  Bring them great favor and blessing as they train and encourage children and youth.  Amen