The adage “Dance like no one is watching” is well-known. I’ve seen it on posters, plaques, pillows, coffee mugs, trivets and more.
It’s usually accompanied by the additional suggestions of “Love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” Sometimes you’ll also find “Work like you don’t need the money.”
I suspect the reason for this maxim’s popularity and ubiquity is that it resonates with the adventurous spirit within us. Yet — perhaps more often than not — though we want to follow our adventurous spirit, we have apprehension for one reason or another. We fear what others will think or want to avoid pain.
Is there a risk you secretly long to take but have let fear stop you?
Our Creator made us for adventure, and He consistently nudges us out of our comfort zones. I see it in scripture repeatedly, but the one example that is most clear to me is in the book of Joshua. Just before God directs Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land, He says:
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. … No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (selected verses Joshua 1:3-9, NIV)
Within seven verses, he repeats “be strong and courageous” three times, reassures him of His presence twice and gives multiple promises of success (along with some sound advice). God knew that a grand adventure awaited Joshua and that he would be fearful.
Similarly, God has a “promised land” for each of us. Getting there will be an adventure. It will be risky; it will require facing our fears and trusting God.
What’s the “promised land” in your marriage? What is keeping you from moving into it?
Step out on the great adventure! Dance like no one is watching if you have to, but don’t miss the dance!