Shall We Dance?
The graceful, fluid movements of ballroom dancing are indescribably enchanting as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers so aptly demonstrated. But when it comes to marriage, it takes two to tango. A happy marriage is like an exquisite dance with each partner anticipating the steps of the other, gliding along with ease in sublime harmony. To perfect the dance, extensive practice is required along with perseverance, discipline, and the intense desire for excellence.
Practice involves some measure of failure. A couple will stumble from time to time as they seek to find their distinctive rhythm, but if they continue on, they will eventually accomplish the goal of moving together in unison. Every so often, stumbling may cause injury. In order to succeed at perfecting and refining the dance, forgiveness and healing become necessary. Together, a determined couple will purpose to help one another along toward precision.
It would be impossible to perfect the dance without diligence and tenacity, endurance and forbearance. When muscles are sore from practice and feet ache from being stepped upon, the fortitude to overcome the pain will inspire perseverance. When fatigue threatens to thwart the accomplishment of the ultimate goal, strength is renewed with the desire to see one’s partner succeed. While the lazy would give up at the first sign of difficulty, the disciplined will continue on, not willing to allow discouragement to distract from attaining polished synchronization.
Sometimes we develop a blister or two. Sometimes we feel that we are working a little harder than our partner. But for the dance to be splendidly flawless, attention must never be given to the effort ~ or lack thereof ~ of one’s partner. Rather, an extra measure of effort must be made by oneself. Lift her up if she is faltering, offer encouragement if
he is struggling. This requires putting aside self-centered ambitions and concentrating all attention on ensuring the accomplishment of another.
In ballroom dancing ~ as in marriage ~ one will lead and one will follow. The leader will never dominate or be forceful with his partner. Instead, he will gently guide her with the lightest touch and the kindest gestures, always taking care to treat her with the utmost respect and courtesy. He will hold her in highest esteem and desire nothing more than to declare her as most lovely among dancers.
She in turn will follow his tender leading, responding with grace and counterbalance, bringing delicious harmony to the dance. She will not refuse his sensitive prompting but will move in unison with him. Together they will appear as one in perfect synergy. The dance will appear divinely effortless as they conform to one another, one leading, one following, yet in doing so being absolutely equal.
The dance requires much effort, much time. When dancers come together and move as one, it truly is a thing of glorious beauty ~ supreme pleasure to the dancers, and a profound pleasure to spectators.
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"To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love." ~ Jane Austen