Break Dancing?
Diapers, late nights, early mornings, sleep deprivation…all reminders of what I called my “season of little feet.” I recall the awesome sense of responsibility that invaded my previously self-centered world when I brought my daughter home from the hospital. A little life now fully dependent upon me, it was overwhelming. It felt as though life’s rhythm accelerated to high speed, break dancing?
Diapers, late nights, early mornings, sleep deprivation…all reminders of what I called my “season of little feet.” I recall the awesome sense of responsibility that invaded my previously self-centered world when I brought my daughter home from the hospital. A little life now fully dependent upon me, it was overwhelming. It felt as though life’s rhythm accelerated to high speed, break dancing? Often I longed for a good nights sleep and some adult conversation. (Wish we’d had blogging in those days!)
That need for conversation motivated me to seek out bible studies, where I enjoyed adult conversation centered on the scripture. I discovered not only rich friendships, but also from the truths we studied I found support and instruction. There were welcome insights regarding my new parenting responsibilities. Other young moms and older women encouraged me with practical advice and loving encouragement.
As my daughter developed and grew I was amazed at how my understanding of God’s loving parenting deepened. When my little girl obeyed, I felt such joy. When she stomped her little feet with a determined “no,” in my frustration I could sense God’s heart at my stubborn “no” as well. My love and appreciation of my heavenly father deepened.
Now, as I reflect, I am amazed at how quickly that season elapsed. Soon I was walking away from our neighborhood kindergarten and those little feet left in the care of a smiling teacher.The rhythm of life shifted again. Thankfully, those friendships and the lessons from the bible supported me in this transition as well.
That experience demonstrated three constants important in any season, God’s presence, His word, and relationships with His family. Those three priorities protect and provide support each season of life when the rhythm changes as it will.
Gwynne Johnson
Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.
8 Comments
Sharifa Stevens
Gwynne,
I will
Gwynne,
I will shamelessly say that I would love love LOVE to see you breakdance! Two of your posts have now been about dancing and it makes me want to crank up the music and get going!
I don’t have babies, but I have seen myself in the good…and bad…behaviors of my nieces. It’s been humbling to think about our Father as someone who lovingly disciplines and loves me even when He doesn’t let me have my way.
Gwynne Johnson
I love a party…
I love it that our God is one who loves to celebrate
Sue Bohlin
‘Nother party girl here!
Dancing at the marriage supper? I certainly hope so! I’ve signed up for swing dancing and line dancing in heaven! Where I’m from, it ain’t no wedding reception without some DANCIN’!!!!
But really, it makes sense that God would invite us to join His dance of joy. Zephaniah 3:17, one of my favorite verses, tells us that He not only takes great delight in us, He "shouts for joy" over us. The Hebrew word translated "shouts" in the NET Bible is a vivid word picture of spinning around with excitation. Sounds like break dancing to me!
Heather A. Goodman
I’ll be on the dance floor
I’ll be on the dance floor with you!
Sue Bohlin
On the dance floor
::::high five::::::
Sharifa Stevens
Electric Slide!
Count me in, too!!!
robyn rochelle eubanks
Dance on GIRL!!!!
So good to find you here. Dancing? Oh, Gwynne, I dream of the day I can dance in His arms. But, while I wait…
1. I desire to be immovable, planted like the tree beside still waters.
2. I desire to be steadfast, moving forward step-by-step in daily dances with those He brings across my path!
Thank you for being that example to me.
I didn’t realize I would find you here.
Saying hello from Germany. Hugs.
Gwynne Johnson
Good reminder
Thanks for the reminder that we aren’t home to the party yet!