May I Have This Dance?
February 8, 2022 by Susan Dollyhigh
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Susan Dollyhigh –
Eric reached for my hand and led me to the dance floor for the mother-son dance. Oblivious to the many guests following our every step, we danced to I Hope You Dance. During those three to four bittersweet minutes, with smiles on our faces and tears running down our cheeks, we shared our love.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me, Mom,” Eric said. “I love you so much.” Looking up into his man-face, I couldn’t help but flash back to his little-boy-face.
“I love you so much, Eric, and I’m so proud of you,” I whispered. “You are a wonderful son, and I know you are going to make a wonderful husband, and someday an incredible father.” Pausing to regain my composure, I said, “I hope you and Amy have the best marriage ever.”
The song, and another stage of life, ended and Eric led me back to my seat. Returning to our hotel room after the reception, I slipped out of my long, lavender dress, and reflected on the beautiful wedding, the elegant country-club reception, and a dance that I cherish in my heart.
Seven-year-old David was already dancing when I reached out and took his hand. His eyes opened wide and he paused for just a second, then a big smile broke out on his face. And we danced to You Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog blaring from an old boom box.
“Wow, you’re a great dancer,” I said.
“Thanks, I’ve been practicin’,” David said.
The song ended, and I said goodbye. The gravel crunched under my car’s tires as I pulled away from the homeless shelter. Returning home, I took off my jeans and t-shirt, and reflected on the simple white-frame-cottage, a beautiful Bible study with a motley crew of men, women, and children, and another dance that I cherish in my heart.
Country club or homeless shelter, DJ or boom box, lavender gown or blue jeans, I never know the circumstances the Lord might use to shower me with an incredible blessing.
Prayer: Father, thank You for your awesome love and never-ending blessings. Amen.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly
realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3 NIV).
Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a free-lance writer, columnist and speaker. Susan has two children and three wonderful grandchildren and resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Susan is a contributing author in Spirit and Heart: A Devotional Journey, Faith and Finances: In God We Trust and The Ultimate Christian Living. Susan’s articles and devotionals have appeared in Connection Magazine, Exemplify Magazine, Mustard Seed Ministry, P31 Woman, The Upper Room and The Secret Place. She is also a contributing online writer for ChristianDevotions.us and InternetCafeDevotions.com.