Dancing on the Inside:

A few weeks ago, I dropped by a local Christian high school to say hello to a new friend, who happens to be the Superintendent. This man is in his early to mid 50's. He had some time, so I sat down in his office and we talked. He shared with me his growing desire to live out the good news. As we spoke he became more and more excited. He was sitting on the edge of his chair as he spoke. Wonder filled his voice.

"For some many years, I held a narrow view of the gospel. I'm learing about the kingdom of God and it's freeing to me."

Then he shared a word picture that helped me understand him, and others who have served the church far longer than I and who working with sometimes restrictive environments.

He said, "Have you seen the ipod commercial?" (Link )
Which one I ask.

"The commercial where the woman is walking, she looks serious or at least complacent, but as she walks by you can see her reflection. The reflection is dancing. Not gentle docile dancing, but she's leaving her feet, jumping, twirling, full of vibrancy and life."


He paused.

"That's me."

Some of us have to be a certain way around church, but there is a part of us that wants out. A part of me that wants to dance.

So friends. Go dance.

If you don't dance. Part of you will die.

To me the emerging conversation, my consulting churches and my life has turned into finding ways of helping people dance.