"I know nothing, except what everyone knows-if there when Grace dances, I should dance." W.H.Auden
Do you like to dance? Do you think of yourself as a dancer? I am certain most people might answer ‘yes’ to the first question and an emphatic ‘no’ to the second. In our culture,at some point around when we are ten years old, all the dancers decide on another vocation. This always becomes clear to me when I go to a wedding reception. The moment the band begins to play and the bride and groom take to the dance floor, they are joined by young children spinning, gyrating, twisting, floating, their small bodies immersed in the power of the music.It is as if they can’t stop themselves. Gotta dance!
I have often thought of the metaphor of dance. I have done enough dancing in my life to know that I can’t lead all the time….though I sure would like to think I can. To do so means certain disaster on the floor….toes get stepped on, arms get pulled, music loses its meaning,the beauty of human movement is destroyed.Following is imperative to good dancing. Dancing requires give and take,listening and responding, eye contact, trust, leading and following, leaning and being held. Just like life.
Auden’s statement about Grace was not meant to call our minds to Grace Kelly, although, wouldn’t we all like to believe we could float across the floor as she did, suspended in Fred Astaire’s arms, dress flowing, hair perfect, legs long,sleek and precision perfect? This Grace is multifaceted and has many definitions.
Grace…a sense of what is right and proper…may my dance be filled with humility. Grace….thoughtfulness toward others,goodwill….may I remember to hold and be held gently. Grace….a time granted beyond the date set for performance,payment,obligation…may I move with intention as I’d like to have others move. Grace…..a short prayer when blessings are asked, thanks is given….may the music of my voice provide the song of gratitude. Grace…..the unmerited love and favor of God toward humankind….may I never forget who I am and with whom I have danced since my birth.
It’s February. In Minnesota February can be a dreary, long month with Valentine’s Day providing the only diversion. Whether you dance on February 14th or on another day, my prayer is that Grace will be your faithful partner.
Stay warm this weekend…………………..