Learning to Dance Backwards
 

Learning to Dance Backwards

by Anabel Gillham

One of my very favorite quotes is in defense of Ginger Rogers when someone is touting Fred Astair's graceful moves and nimble feet: Ginger Rogers did the very same thing in high heels and backwards! I need to learn Ginger's techniques! However, there's a very important point being overlooked. There must be a leader when you're "couple" dancing and I have found through the years that the more talented and confident the leader is the more talented and confident the partner looks! (I always had trouble following even in dancing! I've disappointed many a young man who asked me to dance: He discovered quickly that I wasn't willing to follow and I wound up sitting in my chair back on "wall flower" row.)

I know you can already see my analogy. Let's pretend that our world is a ballroom. Jesus is my Partner. He is a marvelous dancer! But I keep trying to lead Him, messing up the routine He has planned—the twirls and the dips and the graceful moves, stepping on His toes, and making it obvious to those who are watching that I'm not following. I'm fighting to lead and I'm in big trouble in the middle of the dance floor.

How I thank my wonderful Partner for not giving up on me. No. He spends hours with me, teaching me the art of "dancing backwards." And how I love it when He and I glide over the polished floor together. I have such fun! And others who are watching envy me and wish they could dance like I do. Little do they know that I'm merely following my Leader. I'm dancing backwards.

Mark 1:17 "Follow me and I will..." (my conclusion? "I will teach you to dance with Me.")