I felt the ache in my cheeks the other night. I sat, smiled, and watched them with deep joy.
How many were they? Thirty? Forty kiddos? Up on stage... standing in-front of a room of 250---some proud parents, aunties and uncles, and many they would not know. Most of the audience friendly strangers. These kids of all ages were singing and dancing with all their might! They sang song after song about Jesus--- His love and grace, His faithfulness and goodness. Loud voices. Full attention. They sang out with their whole hearts. They gave it their all.
Each song had movements. Each child did the movements with their "stamp"---their personality. Some made quiet, small movements. Some kiddos made exaggerated and beautifully flamboyant moves. Some had hands, legs, faces all in sync. They were perfectly orchestrated with the music. You might say these were "on fleek"! Others---little ones and bigger ones--- hardly managed the choreographed movements at all... they just danced. Smiles. Jumping. Swaying. Shuffling their little feet.
They performed with joy and freedom and so much fun! It was pure delight to behold.
While I watched, I had a recurring thought which became a prayer: When do we loose this? When did we loose this, Lord?
When does this dancing, jumping, laughing, smiling, singing get lost? Why don't we do this anymore when we sing of You?
I began to pray these questions... When did I loose this unhindered joy in moving my body and singing songs for you? What hinders me in worshiping You like this, Lord?
As I watched and prayed, everything in me wanted to jump on stage and sing along. Dance along. I wanted to join them!
I know the stories that many of these kids walk. I am aware of pain in their journey. I know they don't live perfect lives, or in perfect families. But, still... still... this night they brought their whole bodies, hearts, and minds on stage and performed with exuberance.
Most faces in the crowd smiled. Even the older teenagers--- this freedom already lost for most of them--- sat and watched with cheek-aching grins.
Joy begets joy. Worship begets worship!
Father, I want some of it back! What I lost... whenever it was... I want to know this childlike faith and purity again. I want to worship You with my whole body, my whole heart, and all of me. Teach me to join them in song. Today... and moving forward. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6).
"They should praise Him with dancing, they should praise Him with tambourines and harps!" (Psalm 149:3)