Will you dance with me

An outstretched hand of invitation,
A longing glance from my beloved.

“Will you dance with me?”
At first, I pull away, hands behind my back, I look at my crippled feet. 
Reluctant, shame saying you cannot, you dare not take the nail scarred hands.
You sense my hesitation and draw nearer to me.
You whisper gently, “My beloved there is no condemnation here.”

I take hold of your hands, so strong and warm. I can feel the scars, the holes in your hands as our palms touch, always present. What a price you paid to set me free.

You draw me closer, in a divine embrace. 
I’m held next to your heart.
As it beats, love washes my mourning sackcloth from
me. Suddenly I realise I am no longer wearing my life’s experiences as I’m held by love. 
I am clothed in fine linen and embroidered cloth, silks and beautiful velvets,
Their iridescent colours dazzle my eyes.

I’ve become aware of the music surrounding us, it is the music of creation.
Trees are vibrating with the sound of sap, of life within. 
The leaves and branches are clapping. We are already in motion dancing to your song. 
The song of creation’s melody, each blade of grass and tumbling stream resonate.

You spin me around, tumbling, turning, whirling in your embrace. 
Between the trees and the branches we dance, with joy and abandonment.
The very air pulsates with the notes of heaven.

We skip over streams and rivers, waterfalls, a crescendo of power that resounds in my soul. 
I am completely captivated.
Creation echoes all of your love and wonder and yet you choose to dance with me. 
This wasn’t the dance floor I was expecting.  
This is the  joyous freedom of a daughter of the king.
I’m held in strong arms that infuse me with strength and energy.
Joyous, energy that washes away the weariness of all pain. 
Freedom I have never known. Freedom from expectation, judgment and shame.

Jesus, you spin me around again.
Suddenly we’re dancing on the surface of the oceans, here in you’re embrace, my feet can’t fail.
I realise I’m dancing on the ocean with love itself. 
The Ocean itself is reflected in your eyes and I am lost in wonder.

Then another twirl and we are leaping and bounding from mountain top to mountain top.
I begin to wonder how high we are going to go?
Yet in your eyes, I fall deeper still. I am astounded by all the experiences, that feel like electricity  running through my body.

The question comes again, “Will you trust me?”
Yes! my heart beats… yes!
Suddenly we are airborne, No longer restricted by gravity,.  
I find myself dancing with you among the clouds, as the moisture licks the hem of my garments.
Caught up in this weightless wonder, I am free.

Now flying through the sky as we launch into the stratosphere,
Into the night sky beyond the moon. 
Even the inky blackness resounds with your song. Then around the celestial bodies we dance. Planet to planet we move beyond into the universe.

We’re pirouetting and frolicking among the galaxies.  
Even here I am lost in the wonderment of you. 
Creation’s song enveloping our every dance move. 
I’m captivated by all the beauty, there are no words.
I am surrounded by the music of the creator. 
All creation is your dance floor.

I am absorbed by the gaze of love itself. 
As we dance among the universe you invite me deeper.
“How much further  can we go?” I ask 
“Come with me and see,” you reassuring reply.
Free from every limitation and restriction. 
I am now far, far beyond anything I have ever imagined, yet you take me deeper still.
Unexpectedly, I’m enfolded, immersed within the Trinity. I am singularly and wholly loved by the author of all creation, I am dancing in the very heart of love itself. In the very heart of God.

By Beth Dickinson