Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Wedding Dance

Photo by Paul Munhoven 8/2/2011
In this dream, I hear a flute melody whispering on the breeze from far away, and I follow it across the hills to a country hamlet, nestled in the valley among pine trees, surrounded by rocky cliffs.

A young couple has just exchanged their marriage vows, and although the ceremony is over, the celebration is in full swing. The villagers clap in time to the music, joyously tapping their feet, joining in on tambourines and lyres. But all eyes are fixed on the couple, joined as one in the wedding dance. 

He wears white trousers and boots, topped by a princely white shirt and cape, and she is in a simple, long white frock, trimmed in hand spun lace. Both have crowns of fragrant wildflowers encircling their heads – his red roses and white lilies, and hers baby’s breath and forget-me-nots.

He is strong and handsome, his muscular arms protecting and guiding her through every move. Although the clearing where they twirl together is uneven, with rocky ledges and gulches, he never misses a step. As she clings to him and gazes up into his riveting eyes, her footing is sure, but when her attention drifts, distracted by others in the crowd, she stumbles. Yet even as she loses her balance he stabilizes her, whisking her away from danger and closer to him.

Soon the light changes from the midday sun illuminating the white fields, scattered like sheep on the hillside, to the long dusty beams of purple and maroon at sunset. The music changes too, sometimes tender and romantic, sometimes pounding with excitement and power, with bursts of joy intermingled with sad, soulful melodies that make me weep.

Yet the couple dances on, for he beautifully interprets every nuance of the changing rhythms. Boastful young men try to cut in, but she does not give them her hand any more than she would give away her heart, for it is promised to her beloved. As the sun sets, wolves and coyotes howl from the cliffs, and though she shudders, she buries her face in his chest and they waltz on.

A band of gypsy marauders presses in on the crowd, their raucous taunts and violins nearly drowning out the haunting flute melody, so that I must strain to hear it. But the couple still dances, moving together in perfect harmony with the flute and with each other, the bride following the groom’s perfect lead through turns, drops and sways. By now she is weary and physically drained, yet his vibrant energy sustains her, and he supports and even carries her when her strength wanes.  

Thunder echoes off the cliffs; then the skies open in a drenching downpour. The earth beneath the couple’s feet dissolves into mud, yet his attire and her bridal gown remain pristine. The flowers in his crown began to separate, revealing rainbows sparkling from golden, bejeweled crowns beneath, and I suddenly realize Who He is! The haunting trumpet sound and brilliant flash of lightning pierce the darkened sky and they vanish, caught up together in the heavens

As I awoke I thanked Him for being my betrothed, my beloved spouse (Song of Solomon 5:1), for guiding me through the dance of life. How blessed I am by  the promise that one day my Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) will return for me and catch me up with Him in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) where we will celebrate our marriage feast (Revelation 19:7-9), never to be parted. 

In the meantime, He is my shelter from the storm (Psalm 61:1-3) and my refuge from all harm (Psalm 91). He illuminates and steadies my path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:6), catches me when I stumble (Psalm 91:12), and keeps me unspotted and blameless through His imputed righteousness (Romans 4:22-25; 5:17-21; Revelation 19:7).

If I keep my eyes fixed upon His face I will not fear the harms and threats around me (Numbers 21:8), as He is my strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10) and my Fortress (Psalm 71:3). When I am weary, I can lean on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and He will carry me (Isaiah 40:11), for His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

May I always focus on the tender, soft melody of His love song (Zephaniah 3:17), of His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) and shut out the world clamoring around me (Romans 12:2). May I await His swift return (Revelation 11:14; 22:7,12,20) with the patience of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-12), separated and holy through His grace (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 1:15), my lamp burning brightly with the Holy Spirit.

How I long to hear that trumpet sound heralding my immediate transport to that celebration in the clouds, when my Beloved and I will be together forever! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!


© 2013 Laurie Collett
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22 comments:

Frank E. Blasi said...

Dear Laurie,
This blog has reminded me of the footsteps question.
Two sets of footsteps are left on relatively easy ground. One belongs to the believer, the other to Jesus Christ, as they both walk together side by side.
But across rough ground only one set are seen. Whose are they?
By natural thinking, one would believe that those single set of footsteps are those of the believer, after falling into sin or not keeping his faith during trying times.
The actual answer is that those were Jesus' footsteps, as he carries the believer on his back.
The wedding dance is another good illustration of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to all his believers.
God bless,
Frank.

mail4rosey said...

I love the scriptures you've put up at the end of this post. His grace is sufficient.

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Frank,
Great point about the "Footsteps," poem, which is an excellent illustration of how He often carries us when we don't even realize He is there. I saw an amusing, if not completely theologically accurate, variation of this recently. The one set of footsteps are those of Jesus, and the long, deep furrow alongside is where He dragged the believer kicking and screaming! He is too much of a Gentleman to force us into anything, but I know I can be awfully stubborn at times and resistant to following His perfect will!
Thanks as always for your comment & God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Rosey! His grace is indeed sufficient. May you have a blessed week in Him!
Laurie

mail4rosey said...

You too Laurie. :)

I'm swinging back over because our avatars are similar, and they were together on my blog just now and it made me laugh.

Donald Fishgrab said...

Unfortunately, many Christians do not learn to let him lead in the dance and find the Christian life an ongoing struggle rather than a pleasure.

Denise said...

Such a good post.

Nadwrażliwiec said...

Yesterday I talked with my friend, who is Catholic. She said me, that in her opinion, Second Coming of Christ is near. I agreed with her, because I see a lot of signs of that.
Yes, Marana tha! Come Jesus!
Greetings and blessings to You! :)

Veronica Lee said...

... and His strength is made perfect in weakness.

Have a blessed day!

Brenda said...

What a beautiful dream to have Laurie, revealing all that our beautiful betrothed is. He is absolute protection, strength and peace when we stay joined with Him as one, dressed in our wedding gown.

Laurie Collett said...

So true, Donald! Peace and joy in the Lord are possible only if we yield to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead.
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thank you Denise, and many blessings to you, sweet friend.
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Zim! Surely we see the signs of the times. Come quickly (and soon!) Lord Jesus!
Greetings and blessings to you too!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Praise God for His sufficient grace that empowers us especially when we are at our most fragile! Thanks so much for your comment, Veronica, & God bless!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thank you, Brenda, for your sweet comment. He is truly beautiful, and we can reflect that beauty when His light shines through us, as it does in your lovely poems. He is all we need!
Blessings to you,
Laurie

Veronica Lee said...

You are most welcome! And thank you for stopping by too!

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Lovely post! Thank you for sharing this at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Linda! God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Kathryn, for your lovely comment and for hosting! I look forward to linking up again next week!
Blessings to you,
Laurie

XmasDolly said...

What a well lit life you have, but I wish I could find nine more as Jesus asked Lot to find ten good men, and he would save Sodom. People of this earth should remember Lot's Wife and be obedient for sure. This world needs saving! It only gets worse. Each day I watch the news, and I fear for my children, but yet I praise the coming of the Lord because I know time is near. Thank you for bringing the bit of light into my world for today & that it still out there I just need to find nine more! Praise Jesus! Bless you.

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Marie,
Your comment has blessed me tremendously. Thank you for encouraging me with your sweet words. You are so right -- the worse the news gets, it must mean that the return of Our Lord is that much closer. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Love in Him,
Laurie

Janis Cox said...

Laurie,
You have some amazing dreams - so vivid. Mine are usually crazy, mixed up and weird.
Thanks for sharing
Blessings,
Janis
www.janiscox.com