Learning the Basics
First dance recital and first communion
When I was 8 years old, my parents enrolled me in dance class. I joined about 15 other girls along a wooden bar attached to the mirrored wall learning the basics of ballet. Eventually we spread from the bar to the floor forming our first synchronized dance. My pride shined forth at my first recital almost as much as the green leotard and stiff blue tutu.
A few months later, I dressed in white and walked in line with all the other girls and boys to receive first communion. I was so nervous that I would forget what to say when the priest offered me the wafer or that I would somehow drop the host to the floor. But at the same time, I felt very special, like a bride adorned for her husband.
For me, receiving the sacrament and my first dance recital had a lot in common. Both involved lengthy instruction from adults with special knowledge and both climaxed in a ceremony where I dressed up and joined my peers to perform in front of my parents and many other adults.
These were fun and important milestones in my life. They taught me the basics of dance and of faith. More importantly, they allowed me to participate. Dancing is quite different from watching others dance. Likewise, dancing with God is much different than watching others dance with God.
As a child I learned the song “Jesus loves me this I know” and I did know it. With my childhood faith I was able to turn to God when I was bullied at school or when my parents or my sister and I fought. For a time, God became like an invisible companion who listened and comforted me.
While learning the basics is critical, it is not enough. My childhood dance classes did not make me a ballet dancer. Likewise, my first communion introduced me to faith, but it did not equip me to live an adult life with adult issues. Just like any other areas of human development, spiritual development is something that happens in stages throughout our lives. Little did I know as a child, but my faith journey had only begun.
Through the years I engaged God in many different ways – like so many dance styles. Each new dance exposed me to a different way of talking, listening to and following God. As I explore some of these styles or ways of engaging with God over the coming weeks, I encourage you to consider how you learned to dance with God and how you have practiced that dance at different times in your own life.
