By +Jeanne Takenaka @JeanneTakenaka
My Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—Turn. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. I write for five minutes on a given topic. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out our hostess, Kate Motaung’s site. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!
TURN
I stood face to face with him. My dancing partner. He was to be my partner—the leader—as I learned the waltz. It was all for research, but I learned important life lessons along the way.
Like, when the man leads, the woman must follow. When he directs the turn, the woman must step a certain way.
This helps avoid stepping on toes. When he signals with his movements, she needs to follow.
Oh, how hard it is to turn from the natural leader I am into the follower I must be if I am to join in the dance. And actually enjoy it! (I had no idea what a crummy follower I was until he mentioned it.)
Following his lead by looking into his eyes rather than at my clumsy feet. (which only makes me clumsier, by the way).
Turn.
One turn. Done in precise steps according to the beat.
Isn’t that how our walks are with Jesus, to a degree? He leads and we should follow.
Some days I’m better at that than others. I sense His promptings in the words He speaks during my quiet time.
I hear his quiet words in my heart when I’m in a “situation” with one of the boys, or my husband, or a friend.
Will I turn my head and listen to Jesus’ leading in what to say, or not to say?
Or will I insist on my own way and end up flat on my face?
Relationships are a dance. With certain steps that must be taken. Certain turns done in a specific timed beat. When I accept Jesus’ lead, and I follow him? That’s when the dance is beautiful. Even amid the ugly this life sometimes throws my way.
I can turn and follow Jesus’ leading and trust that He will bring me through the ugly times, with beautiful steps, strengthening steps. Following His lead. Turning the way He directs—my head my heart, my will.
What about you? Have you ever tried ballroom dancing? When have you turned your will to the side to follow Jesus’ leading? What happened?
Jeanne Takenaka 
That’s a beautiful metaphor. Thank you!
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Thanks! And thank you for stopping by!
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Great post. It reminds me of the song “Lord of the Dance”, and Andrew Greeley’s novel of the same name.
He calls the tune. May as well follow him, or get stomped, that’s what I figure. He’s got bigger feet than me, so I try to follow.
Does anyone else wonder what size shoes God wears? Or is it just me?
And what kind? Birkenstocks? Doubt it, he’s not a hippie. Meindl Desert Fox tactical boots? Justins? Or Nike?
Or Adidas, with the three stripes representing…ah, never mind. Barbara says I have the weirdest mind she ever encountered, and I think I just proved it.
As for ballroom dancing…I did show up for one class in high school, but was asked to leave when I walked up to a young woman and said, “May I challenge you to this dance?”
Later I did learn to do the Russian Sailor’s Dance…the one where you squat and kick your feet out, arms crossed in front of you. It’s a great icebreaker when dealing with Russians, and they tend not to mind if you kick over their drinks…as long as you stand the tab for the refill.
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You made me laugh out loud, Andrew. Did you really challenge a girl to a dance? 🙂
And I can’t say I have ever truly thought about the size of God’s feet. I will say I never want to be under them when He’s on the move. It will be fun to see when we get to heaven.
On a more serious side. “The Lord of the Dance” was one of my favorite songs when I was a girl. Believe it or not. I used to know all the lyrics, and the tune is now scrolling through my head. And yes, I would rather follow when He’s calling that tune.
Thanks for the grins and the thoughts.
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Yep. I did challenge her!
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See? You make me smile. 🙂
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That makes me happy!
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That makes me smile too. I love this analogy Jeanne, thank you.
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Thanks, Lisa! 🙂
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I’ve never done any dancing unless you count “swaying” at wedding receptions and Irish jig in seventh grade gym class.
My local ACFW chapter is voting on new officers for 2015. One of my crit partners wanted to nominate me for VP. I wanted to say no. A devotional reading that week was on being a servant. Gulp. I’m on the ballot.
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Wow, an Irish jig. I’m not sure I’ve ever really done one, short of my poor imitation of River Dance a couple times. 🙂
Terri, I’m proud of you for letting yourself be nominated. I’m sure God will use your willing heart to serve right where He wants you, whether it’s as the VP or somewhere else. PLEASE let me know how it turns out!
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Frank and I have always talked about taking dance lessons. I’m horrible at following – I would definitely rather be in control! 🙂 Loved this connection, Jeanne!
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It’s pretty fun, Annie. Especially when you’re dancing with your husband. 🙂 If/When you do it, know that following looks differently than we as women expect. When my partner (not my husband–like I said, research. He didn’t want to do it 😉 ) told me I wasn’t following, I thought I had been! LOL. I hope you do it. It’s a fun time once you each figure out your roles.
Oh, and for the record, it’s not as easy to lead as you’d think either. I danced with a couple people who did NOT know how to lead. Poor guys. 🙂
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