SING A NEW SONG...AND NEVER STOP DANCING!

Things happen that are beyond our control and we are placed in a position with no choice but to react to those events.   It is in those reactions that we find true definitions of our character.  We are called to react to things ranging from the mundane and small stuff to truly  life altering events. But how often do we respond with intention and then take the opportunity to look inward at what our decisions mean to our own lives -- and how these reactions impact the lives that exist in the world around us?

Two weeks ago I found myself dating a man that I knew to be rare and good. The connection was strong and the time together was only filled with authentic expressions. Two weeks ago an email arrived that would change everything. The email presented an unexpected opportunity that would bring him to new heights, raise new challenges, and throw this budding relationship entirely off course.

You see, the path we had been traveling was a familiar one to both of us. The 'meet cute' occurred over the simple act of sharing witty conversation while enjoying a summer cocktail.  It was quickly followed by efforts to continue to engage in moments that grew from entertaining and amusing to authentic and intimate. It wasn't complicated or particularly challenging -- it was just effortless and enjoyable. In fact, I once joked about it being the modern day vignette opener to Grease with the sounds of "Summer Lovin" playing in the background.  The sounds and feelings of a new relationship are familiar to many and we were simply dancing to ours.

The email had arrived out of the blue and would reveal that the ensuing weeks, and perhaps months, would be all consuming with work deadlines and pressure of unfamiliar strength coming from the great Powers-at-Be.   I say 'would reveal' because the effects were not felt all at once. They were felt in layers and with each passing day the intensity grew. Finally, with a heavy heart, both of us respectfully acknowledged that we were no longer living in an environment that had the soundtrack "Summer Lovin" playing in the background. The parting of ways in order to allow a person to thrive in the moment and pursue opportunities at hand was ultimately a reaction to the email that had started it all.  I was being called to let this relationship go and do what was necessary and right, despite the potential of those necessary actions being in direct conflict with feelings and hope of the heart.

I  walked into church on Sunday morning with a heavy heart and a faint smile on my lips where only a week before there had been a light in my eyes revealing the presence of joy and excitement.   I was processing the events that had taken place earlier in the week and the conversations that had occurred only the day before, with little focus on the words being spoken at the front as the greeter welcomed the church community. The lights dimmed, the music began, and all I could hear was a stunning vocalist repeating the chorus line of "Sing a new song."

My eyes swelled with tears, just as they do now in sharing this moment with you, as I found myself reacting to this chorus line that had managed to touch my soul in an instant. I have always been, and will continue to strive to be, a woman of unwavering hope and faith.  I believe that we must trust in the events of the world without always knowing their greater context and that we must always press forward.

I had entered the sanctuary that morning lamenting the loss of a journey that I knew to be leading me towards a new, and potentially exciting, relationship. However, I walked out of the sanctuary feeling empowered to stand a bit taller and stronger knowing that the core of who I am still believes that even when the music stops playing you should never stop dancing.  This is more than just a call to be optimistic and 'think happy thoughts'.  This is an act of faith and model of trust in the greater context of the life that we lead.  We must display hope and loyalty towards whomever it is you believe to be that 'Greater Power' charged with writing a story through our lives.  We don't ever really know, or feel in control of, whatever chapter it is that we think is being written in that moment.  However, we can trust that there is a reason for it all to be revealed in its own time. 

So the next time you find yourself reacting to events that are beyond your control and feeling a heavy heart because they weren't part of "your plan" -- I would encourage you Sing a New Song and remind yourself to Never Stop Dancing.