Can you believe there are only six weeks until recitals? With Spring Break behind us and Peek Weeks in full swing, this is definitely the time of year when things start to get real. Costumes have been passed out. Progress reports are coming, and so are end-of-the-year performances—not to mention finals, graduations, deadlines, auditions, summer decisions, etc. etc. etc. For some, this time of year is exciting. For others, it stirs up worry, or even frustration.
How did April get here so fast?
I’ve been working on this dance all year, why do I still struggle with certain parts?
I’ve done my splits every day, why aren’t I all the way down?
Why aren’t I moving up to the next level next year?
Wherever the time went, the reality is that the 2020-21 dance year is coming to an end, and if any of the above questions or similar are putting a weight on your heart (the way my heart skipped a beat when I typed that recitals are in six weeks up there), take a deep breath. It’s not about us or any of those panic points. It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s time to trust your training. It’s time to let go and let God. It’s time to begin to be.
This month’s devotional word encourages us to do just that: BECOME.
“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30
As we get closer to the finish line, let’s work to replace the stressful questions that arise in our hearts and begin to be agents of praise. Let’s become who He intended us to be at the end of this season, and not succumb to the weight of our own expectations. After all, it’s His light we’re shining on stage, not our own. We pray that His will be done, not ours. We trust in His perfect timing, not what we think it should be.
Last month we studied the word “behold,” (if you missed that devo, you can find it here), and I think William Blake said it best: “We become what we behold.” So what are you beholding? Is it your frustration or worry? Is it your own progress or excitement? We’re close to the end, but we’re not there yet. Now is the time to check in. Who or what are you worshiping with your time? Your thoughts? Your actions? Who or what are you serving with the same? Is it from you? Is it from your classmates? Societal pressure? Let go. Let God.
“We all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
Behold His works. Be transformed in Him. We are made in His likeness; become a reflection of Him.
May HE shine in us as we reach toward the finish line. May our performances show HIS light. May HIS name be glorified in our hearts, our minds, our words and our movements.
Amen!