AlwaySane Is In Da House

Leading and Following

I can admit that when it comes to dancing, I am quite fanatical.

Just recently I was at three different dance clubs in a span of 7 hours.

First I was in the dance school having my beginners class in rumba. IT IS DIFFICULT. I think I am officially in a lot of problems when it comes to footwork. I am getting lazy, and I'm not even doing lots of difficult patterns. When you move in rumba, you've got to slide the moving foot towards the stationary foot before you step, and with each movement and step you have to accompany it with a hip weight change. And besides that, the toes must point outwards, and both feet cannot be extended at the same time. And the arms styling is a brand new story. All the above I've attempted, but not doing very well. I will be asking my instructor to teach at a slower pace. I'd rather get the basics right than learning all those difficult moves. I'm just particular about techniques.

Then later on I went to another dance school where they open the floor for visitors to dance latin: salsa, merengue, bachata. It was fun, just that the sound system is not good. I can't hear the music and sometimes I'm even stepping on the wrong count... Anyway, a few of my friends were there and I danced for about 2 hours there. Some of the guys came forward and asked me to dance but instead of dancing the LA style, they are on Cuban count which is more elaborate, more movements, and MORE CONFUSING. I was spinning all over the place and yes, looking absolutely confused. But the guys are nice. They are not particular about it or what but I've got to learn how to follow and not move on my own accord.

Next up was at USq, the latin club that I've been frequenting A LOT. Danced quite a bit with many guys and it was an experience as they all lead differently. Some of my partners commented that I "anticipate" the moves, which makes it difficult for them to lead as I'm already moving before they execute the moves! Also, when I turn I've got to spot my partner, so that I'll come back to the same spot and not move all over the place. Meaning when I turn, I have to "look" at my partner and attempt to come back to the same spot.

(Also, I successfully "elbowed" one of my dance partners when I tried out some difficult moves. I think that was partly my fault because I was attempting to do some styling, but since I'm not good at it, I punched him instead. But this dance partner is cool. He actually completed the entire song with me, in the midst of agonizing pain on his cheek... )

When dancing, the lead has to perform many different tasks.

1. He has to lead his partner to execute a number of moves throughout the piece. He has to gauge his partner's standard and not execute moves that are too difficult should his partner be just a beginner. The lead has to be patient when his partner is new. If the lead is bored, he has to wait until the dance is over before asking a more experienced dancer for a dance. Dance etiquette.

2. The lead MUST always make his partner look good. Should the partner make a mistake, the lead's role is to "overcome" that mistake and make it part of the routine. It is not easy but very experienced leads are able to make the mistake unnoticeable even to the partner.

3. The lead has to ensure safety of his partner. In a crowded dancefloor, the lead has to make sure they are not in the way of other couples and more importantly, make sure his partner does not get "hit" by any flying elbows or stomping feet.

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Is God allowed to lead you in your life?

Have you tried to "anticipate" His moves and fail to execute them right, and end up confused and lost? And has He somehow make it work for you even though you screw up?

And when you are swamped by hectic work schedules and seems like your head is spinning nonstop, maybe by "spotting" your Leader, you will know where to go?


I want God to be the Leader of my life and my role is to follow His lead.

It doesn't matter what situation I'm in or what paths I have to walk through, I can be sure that His leads never fails.

I have fallen and failed to follow His leads many times but He has never let me down. He has led me through the moves (and sometimes my mistakes) and make me emerge beautiful and triumphant. He has been a very patient Lead, picking me up when I fail to follow and guiding me through the variations and patterns.

When I am too eager and move too fast, against the will of the Lead, I may hurt Him. But He will not stop dancing with me because of that.

Every step of the way, my Lead successfully completes every pattern with finnese and grace with the ultimate aim of making his partner (myself and every child of God) look and feel good. Unlike other dance partners, this Lead will not foresake me just because I'm not good enough or I'm not at His level of expertise. He will always ask me for the next dance and wait. Waiting for me to take His hand and complete the next song with moves He has in mind for me, to make me improve and look absolutely stunning.


I imagine God saying this to all of his precious children:

My child and lovely partner, will I have the pleasure of having the next dance with you? I know you are still a beginner and learning about Me, but don't you worry about it. I know what moves you can execute and I am patient. Stop anticipating the next step or you will end up lost, looking and feeling absolutely awkward. Just follow my lead. Also, when you are going through a series of spins, remember to spot me as I'm holding on to you. This way, you will always turn back facing Me. Stop anticipating, stop forcing your way, all you need to do is to FOLLOW. No matter what, I will always ensure you look good. I know the dance floor is crowded, with other dancers and obstacles, but I will protect you. You will not be hurt as I am with you. My lead is strong but gentle and I will not fail you. And after the next dance, perhaps you may want to dance with Me again?


In our walk with God, do we always allow Him to lead?

Or do we sometimes prefer to "get on with it" and move to our own pace and rhythmn?

Maybe we think that God is moving too slowly and we try to pre-empt Him with what we feel is right?

Perhaps we try to anticipate what we think God wants us to do, without really asking Him and praying?


Sometimes, I don't allow Him to lead. And the result is a sense of confusion, chaos and uncertainty. But the end result is always wonderful when I finally stop anticipating, stop forcing, and simply follow.

God is our dance partner who is:

1. Always eager and excited when dancing with us, even though we can be lousy, moody, uninterested or simply not good at the dance at all.

2. Strong and gentle when we allow him to lead us.

3. Will never stop dancing with us just because we are lousy or because we hurt Him. And even though we reject His offer, He will always be around, waiting to dance with us.

4. Patient.

5. Always able to make His followers look good.

6. Always protecting.

7. Absolutely in love with us.


I want God to be the Lead of my life.
I want to simply let go and be a good follower.

What about you?


Out.

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"Revelations from the crowded dance floor"

Sane reflects @ this location permanently