Slow dance with Jesus...

Last Sunday, Joe (Central's chaplain) talked about slow dancing with Jesus. For some, that might seem like an odd thought because we cannot physically see Him, but it relates to our relationship with Him. The Calm started off with Joe talking about middle school dances and the awkwardness of it all. I know from my own middle school dance experiences, I was a very shy girl who stood as far away as possible from the guy I was dancing with. I even remember one of our teachers telling us that we could not say "no" to someone if they asked us to dance, but we could just stand across from them and sway back and forth if we didn't want to touch them. I totally did that! So pretty much, these dances were filled with awkward swaying back and forth, trying to make conversations with OTHER people besides your partner, and not ever making eye contact with them. This definitely can be applied to our relationship with Jesus:

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil--the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live this way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead." (Ephesians 2:1-4)


"You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:12-13)


I had never really heard this last verse until this year. It speaks volumes! We were once far away from Jesus, but because of His precious blood, we are now close. Joe was also talking about some of his most memorable dances, which included dancing with his daughters at their wedding. When he started talking about this, I definitely got teary-eyed as I listened to him talk about this special moment for him. I think this was so powerful for me because I no longer have my dad around to dance with me on  my wedding day. Yes, I do wish that I could have that unforgettable memory with my dad, too, but that was not God's plan for me. For me, I get to dance with my heavenly Father for the rest of my life instead =) This brings me so much comfort to know that Jesus, the Son of God, would love me so much that He'd want to share such an intimate relationship with me.

So the next time you aren't sure about your relationship with God, remember that He loves you with such an agape love and nothing could make Him love you less or more. He made you with a specific purpose in life and no one could ever take the role of being you. Make time to slow dance with Jesus every day =)