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DANCE!

The follow was originally written in 2007 for an employee newsletter where I worked at the time.


“Work like you don’t need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.” [1]


Fall is here.  The leaves have changed, the air has finally cooled, and those events of summer have started to fade in our memories.  As we approach the end of November, we look forward to celebrations, family gatherings, new seasons of hunting, great college and pro football games, and the holiday shopping season. 

Well, we don’t all look forward to all of those things, but I imagine that there is something in that list for everyone.

I really enjoy looking forward to new experiences, new opportunities, and new challenges.  And although I enjoy studying history, I don’t enjoy looking back at the events in my life. At least not most of the time, but there is one time when looking back is not only necessary, it is essential if one is to look to the future with optimism and hope.

Thanksgiving requires us to look back at the last year and to take stock of the blessings that we have experienced.  For me, this time of reflection on the past day, week, month, season, or year helps me to see where God has been at work in my life.  I am often amazed during these reflections at how those times of crisis, fear, and loss; appear now, to be times when God’s faithfulness, God’s strength, and God’s love were the most productive in my life.  And in seeing God at work in my life, I find that the coming day, week, month, or year, although perhaps filled with danger, holds opportunities and hope.  God is faithful and God’s love never fails. 

It is this knowledge that allows one to follow the wisdom of Satchel Page.  “Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.”

Now that is something to be thankful for.

I pray that you have a blessed and safe holiday season and that you can give thanks for all the blessings of your life, including the ability to see God at work in your life.  


[1] Satchel Paige

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