Ever since my first weekend at the volunteer house I have heard about an event called Contra Dancing. It was described to me as a type of folk dance in which a caller instructs you on what to do with your dance partners. At first this did not sound the least bit appealing to me, but as time went on and I heard more and more about Contra my curiosity and interest spiked. About six months into my volunteer experience, I finally went and to my surprise I loved it!
Riding home that night I reflected on how much I have changed. Not long ago I was uncomfortable in social situations and a fear of failure kept me from trying anything new. My old self would have never even considered taking part in such a thing. I would have automatically written it off as just another thing that I wasn't capable of. Even if I had been able to muster up the courage to give it a try, the awkwardness and eye contact alone would have sent me running away for the hills. But I am not the person that I use to be, so I went for the experience and laughed at the fact that I had no idea what I was doing.
I now make it an effort to go to every contra dance that I am able to. I have found that they are not only exhilarating, but spiritually enlightening as well. Let me explain. When I first started dancing I tried to avoid making eye contact, but I quickly learned that the eye contact is the most essential part of the dance. When I didn’t lock my eyes on my partner’s I got dizzy and confused. Seeing the broader view and everything spinning was way too overwhelming. When I focused my eyes on my partners’ however, the pace seemed to slow and the steps became more defined. Not only did making eye contact give me direction and less to process, it also demonstrated to my partner that I respected and trusted him as a dancer.
By learning the importance of staying focused on your dance partner I am reminded on how it is essential to fix my eyes on Christ. Just like a good dance partner Christ will show me where to go and, at times when I need it, even push me in that direction. When I fix my eyes on the Lord I can stand tall even when the world appears to be falling in around me. It doesn't matter that I have no idea what life has in store for me because Christ is orchestrating my life and he knows what he is doing.
Debbie is an AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker in Jackson County and is a member of the Jackson Volunteer Community. Opinions expressed in volunteer blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CAP or the Volunteer Program.
