A few months ago, Sam and I travelled back to Suffolk to spend time with all the family as we celebrated my niece’s second birthday. She’s often a source of joy for me, and I have many memories to cherish of moments we’ve shared.
I noticed on this particular visit that she has begun to jump up and down or wiggle with excitement. It’s nothing unusual really – it’s at that point where children start to feel stronger emotions such as the excitement of anticipation, generally in their play, but they don’t yet have the articulation that goes with it, so it comes out in an often quite endearing, happy dance. The picture I’ve chosen as you’ll notice is not of a happy dance from my niece, but of one thing I enjoy going to see – beautiful architecture, specifically, bridges and viaducts.
It was a warm day before any mention of droughts and hosepipe bans, and I was lifting her in and out of a small paddling pool so that she could have big and small jumps into the water – and me rapidly realising a change of clothes should have been considered! Out came the dance as I reached over to pick her up for the umpteenth time and her infectious giggle reminded me of a few things, as well as putting un unavoidable grin on my face.
As the ability to articulate comes into play, we generally grow out of the inclination to do a happy dance or similar, but perhaps for me, I can equate it to the feeling before seeing family, or days out to places I love. Especially following prolonged time apart from others, when we are together, it feels even more special.
To my mind, this is how God must feel when we turn to follow Him, whether it’s for the first time, or the umpteenth time because life has taken a less direct route. His enthusiasm never wavers, He knows that whilst we were made in His likeness, we all come with our imperfections, and are loved regardless, just like in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Life changes in so many vast ways, but we’re never alone through that, and the more we turn to God, in the good and bad, he’ll be having a “happy dance” party in the sky over it. I’m very conscious that this is not necessarily a way of anthropomorphising God that many people will have considered, so forgive me for not finding a more eloquent or gentile way to describe it, but partially, that was my intention. The overwhelming feeling of joy being so strong in the way I described, feels difficult to compare to anything else. Sometimes, using the more child-like and simple ways of viewing things can be helpful to give us something to compare to. As adults, we’re great at finding long and meaningful explanations for things, which can really enrich our understanding and our faith journey, but we should be mindful to also use the simpler explanations when they’ll suffice.
A prayer, Lord, thank you that you will always welcome us into your arms with joy and excitement, no matter how many times we turn to seek your face. Grant us the wisdom and discernment to understand your ways, so that we can share them with others. Amen.