Don’t look at your feet to see if you’re doing it right. Just dance.
Anne Lamott
My family and I had the opportunity to share an experience with some very special people Friday night. My church hosted a prom for those in our community that have never experienced one.
The decoration team did an excellent job at making the place grand. No short cuts were taken. From the entrance, to the food, the centerpieces, to the photo booth and the music, it was all beautifully and carefully thought out. It was apparent that a team of people invested a lot of time to make a special night for those who are often overlooked.
The volunteers weren’t looking for anything in return. But we all got something.
We saw genuine joy as the guests walked through the doors. These precious ones, all disabled in some way, overflowed with gratitude and awe. The ladies in their sparkling dresses and the guys in their suits and bow ties were unhindered as they laughed and shared their excitement. They ate the meal, posed for photos, then came my favorite part of the night.
The dancing. Not one of them sat on the side of the dance floor watching.
They were in the middle of it.
Dancing. Twirling. Clapping. Laughing.
We cheered them on as they danced and danced.
We danced too. But not as freely. Not with such abandon. Not without thinking about it.
If only we could learn to dance like that.
They should praise him with dancing.They should sing praises to him with tambourines and harps. The Lord is pleased with his people;he saves the humble. Let those who worship him rejoice in his glory.Let them sing for joy even in bed!
Psalm 149:3-5 NCV
In response to the Daily Post’s Rhythmic.
mariegriffith.me 
love the scripture quote you end with – it reminds me of the song “tis a gift to be simple”
Thanks Colleen!
I feel the same whenever I watch my kids dance. They dance without worrying about what anyone thinks or says. How amazing for you and your church to do something like this.
You’re right, kids have the same freedom in their dancing. May we dance with such freedom!!
You wrote this in a such a way that my mind was transported and I felt like I could see the dresses and the room of the prom all around me – sounds like it was a really nice evening.
Thank you. It was such a fun night. I’m ashamed to say that my daughter and I were grumbling a bit on the way there because we were tired from a busy week. When we arrived we forgot how tired we were and had such a blast! So thankful we able to be there.
Thanks Marie. There is something about dancing, isn’t there? Thanks for the LaMott quote too. I have another one from her as the beginning of a draft I have never gotten back to. Seeing your quote might nudge me back to revisit it.
Yes there is definitely something about dancing. I’ll be looking for your Lamott quote post.
I also like your use of the word “abandon”. It is a favorite word of mine. The idea of doing anything “with abandon” just calls up such a deep sense of freedom, joy, trust…
I liked the line “The volunteers weren’t looking for anything in return. But we all got something.” How true, when we selflessly give, we end up getting back so much more.
Yes we do. Always.