By Kass Unger of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal creator with open minds and hearts an discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.
“You’re a good follower.” It’s something that I hear quite often. “That was a great dance. You’re a good follower.” When it comes to successful partner dancing, there is a leader and a follower. The leader proposes the steps; the follower chooses to follow or not. It requires both working together.
Let’s be clear, I am not a good follower. I am a bit of a control freak and part of the reason I took up the salsa style of dance was to learn to give up a little of that control. It was unbelievably difficult for me.
After I understood the basic steps, and the panic in my stomach started to dissipate; I was ready to try my feet on the social dance scene. This did not go well. People didn’t lead how I expected. They didn’t combine the steps in the same order I had learned. They threw steps at me that I hadn’t learned at all, or even worse—they were not in time with the music! Instead of beautiful twirling and swirling and happy dancing, there was panic, dislocated shoulders, and arguments about the timing of the music.
One day something clicked. In order to dance together we needed to work together. I needed to take what the other person was offering, regardless of what I thought, and make it work. Sometimes I needed to transform it a little to fit me better. Other times I had to completely surrender and trust my partner entirely, because I couldn’t figure out what was coming next. Those times were often when I would stare back open mouthed and amazed at what they had just managed to make my body do. Other times I even danced out of time with the music, but in time with my partner. It kills me inside, but I do it anyway.
Letting go and accepting whatever others offer doesn’t apply only on the dance floor. Working together has allowed for some truly beautiful and creative expressions in my life and in my ministry.
Prayer Phrase
“We, who are many, are one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5).
Spiritual Practice
Spiritual Learning
Meditate on a time when you learned about community from someone who took you in, fed you, taught you, shared stories and wisdom with you. What did you learn? Prayerfully create a list of qualities you need to learn from spiritual mentors and friends. Then write the names of people who serve as teachers, models, coaches, or encouragers in your life as a disciple. Offer a prayer of gratitude and blessing for these spiritual “relatives” and friends.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.