Grandpa smelled of comfort; the rich, warm scents of coffee and Aqua Velva. Quiet and witty, his brown eyes glinted when I’d beg him to play. Just one more time, pleeease. We’d construct palaces of red, yellow, and blue rectangles or clutch our stomachs as my words garbled together in earnest attempts to recite old-fashioned tongue twisters.
But, my favorite pastime with Grandpa was dancing.
Sliding my feet atop my grandfather’s, I’d gaze upward with confidence. Whether my world was gliding by slowly or I was dizzied by the tilting and twirling of sudden dips and turns, I knew there was safety in Grandpa’s arms.
This sweet memory caused me to wonder…What if Jesus wants me to dance with him with the same sort of childlike faith?
There are human-rooted reasons for my not having been as trusting with Him as I once was with my earthly grandfather. But, Abba Father is patient and those tender, hurting places somehow grow light as I lean into Jesus. His all-encompassing strength calms my anxious heart and I gaze toward heaven.
This is what it means to be treasured and loved.
[bbctt tweet="I can almost imagine a smile of pleasure splitting His face because I'm learning to follow His lead more and more.#dancingwithjesus#restoringhope#nomoreanxiety"]
When laughter abounds and praise flows with ease, I slip into the presence of Christ. We dip and turn; I can almost imagine a smile of pleasure splitting His face because I’m learning to follow His lead more and more.
I Am the one who will guide you.
[bbctt tweet="During the dark times when I'm sure dancing is done? He wraps me in His arms and enfolds me in mercy.#theloveofjesus#mercylikethis#nomorefear."]
During the dark times when I’m sure dancing is done? I don’t slide my feet atop His. Instead, He wraps me in His arms and enfolds me in mercy. The frenetic whirling stills. The blur of decisions, fear, and circumstances grows small when my God–the King of the dance–is greater than any of it.
He turns mourning into joy (Jeremiah. 31:13) and the dirge into dancing.
Dancing with Jesus…it’s become a favorite new activity.
He’s there for you, too, friend. Slide your feet on top of His and let him lead you step by step through this life. The Father’s heart is to love and protect His beloved daughter and in the circle of His arms, you’ll discover a place of safety and security. Won’t you join the dance?
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda ,Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire , Blogger Voices Network , Grace and Truth Linkup, Fresh Market Fridays
I love this post! It’s so important to realize the relational aspect of Jesus. He’s there, in the good and the dark.
Hi Silver. He is with us in every moment! Won’t it be wonderful when we experience a hug from one who loves us so completely? Peace and grace, Tammy
As some one who still wears Aqua Velva, your work picture warmed my heart. While I don’t consider myself “dancing with Jesus”, I often find myself crawling into the Father’s lap and melting myself into one of His warm embraces. When tears flow during those moments, I call them “Heart Hugs”, I know I’m in His presence. Wonderful post!
I so look forward to the day when I can feel Jesus’ arms around me! Blessings my friend, Tammy
This is a great way to visualize our “walk” with Christ!
It’s wonderful knowing He is the one we rely on the entire time, isn’t it? Peace and grace, Tammy
What beautiful thoughts. Thanks for sharing your adventure with Grandpa and Jesus!
My pleasure, Barbara. Thanks for stopping by today! Peace and grace, Tammy
Beautiful imagery!! Because I watched my daughter, who took dance lessons from the time she was five, I can so picture this in my mind, and it’s a wonderful thought!!!
Hi Juie, I adore watching little children dance. So glad you enjoyed today’s post! Peace and grace, Tammy
What a beautiful post. Thank you for the reminder Jesus wants to dance with us. You reminded me of that beautiful feeling of having Jesus wrap me up in His arms and love. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up.
I love that lovely, warm feeling. Peace and grace, Tammy
Tammy – I chose your post to feature this week on Grace and Truth Link-Up
Oh, thank you! What a blessing!
“When laughter abounds and praise flows with ease…”such a wonderful thought and picture of childlike abandonment in the presence of our Heavenly father!! Such sweet memories with your grandfather!!
I anticipate those time with Jesus! The memories I have of my grandfather must only give me a glimpse of the beautiful love of Christ. Blessings, Tammy
This reminded me of my father, also my husband would always dance with our daughter. good memories.
Thank you for listing our Legacy Link-up (Mandy and Michele) on your link up list. I notice it’s missing the link. Here you go … https://www.mandyandmichele.com/category/legacy-link-ups/
Hi Mandy. They are sweet memories, aren’t they? Thanks for the link…I wonder where it went? Blessings, Tammy
What a beautiful story Tammy! I did the same thing with my dad! I can remember standing on top of his feet while we danced. I believe I even wrote about it a LONG time ago on the blog LOL Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story and for the beautiful picture of letting the Lord lead us. And thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies
Hi Diane. I think the “little girl” inside of us can relate to dancing with Jesus. Thank you for hosting the linkup Diane. I’m so glad to know your health is improving. Continuing to lift in prayer! Peace and grace, Tammy