Serving from the Stage

Every Wednesday, I would collect my twirling daughter from her beginner ballet class and admire the women parading into the dance studio. They looked like they were having a blast—always smiling as they started their warm ups.

Adult Tap. It sounded glorious.

At this stage of life, my three kids were all under six years old, and each day was like a constant circus. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly cherished (most of) those precious, fleeting moments. But I was starting to lose sight of myself outside of parenting. I can remember longing for a sliver of time to claim as my own.

And so, you guessed it, I signed up for the Wednesday evening tap dancing class!

It was all that I hoped it would be. I loved it. Shuffle ball change had never been so exciting.

Until… one day our teacher persuasively asked us to do something I had not anticipated. Something I wasn’t even marginally interested in.

The recital!

She wanted us to be a part of the big annual dance recital with all of the kids. The one where loads of family members arrive with wide eyes, flowers, and cameras. She even had an idea for our costumes, complete with shimmering orange headbands.

We were all perfectly happy in our private room without observation windows, so we unanimously resisted the invitation. But then she told us her reason for asking. She was trying to grow the adult dance program. She thought this idea would help with exposure. Her hope was that our group would be a toe-tapping, time-stepping reminder that dancing is fun for all ages. And we hesitantly agreed, for the good of the cause.

We left the safety and comfort of our cozy dance studio, and ventured onto the stage. We certainly didn’t wow anyone in the crowd with our dynamic dance moves, but we did inspire a few more people to join the adult dance program. And maybe someone, even just one person, was encouraged to take a risk, try a new activity, or get creative about exercising. In addition, my kids thought this was spectacular. They were so proud. (I’m not quite sure I would get the same response today if I tried to tap dance in front of their friends. Perhaps I should give it a try!)

Our lives can often present this exact scenario. This choice between the intimacy and security of the studio and the vulnerability of the stage. For example, do we keep our gifts and talents to ourselves, or share them as a way to bless others? Do we hold on to a painful but valuable experience, or courageously open up to someone who is facing a similar struggle? Do we keep the treasures of our faith locked up in our own heart, or seek to introduce others to the joy of knowing Jesus—maybe simply by sharing what He has done in our lives, or through an invitation to church, youth group, or Bible study.

In all of these situations, we might prefer to stay in our happy place where it is warm and predictable. There are plenty of times I have made that choice. How about you? But when we put ourselves out there—taking a chance, stepping over the initial uneasiness—we can reach out to people in sweet service, and make connections that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

Let’s keep our eyes open this week for opportunities to take to the stage. I wouldn’t recommend the shimmering orange headband, but you can’t go wrong with a good pair of tap shoes!

Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)