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| Dancing in the Moonlight |
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 Saturday night Bay and I went for a long walk in the woods. The moon was bright. If this was harvest season, we would call it a Harvest Moon. Without leaves on the trees, the woods are bright and the darkness is almost gone. I came to the knoll that has a nice flat area. It is the place my daughter and I come in the night hours and dance. There is no music. It is only in our heads. I have taught her how to let a guy lead her, how to do a waltz, box step and a few other fun dances which I have no clue what they are called. I am not a great dancer...no, I am not even a good dancer, but I figure this is enough to build my little girl's confidence so that when she is asked to dance, she will. Even my son has joined us from time to time and is learning...however, when my son dances the giggles start. If he is dancing with me, my daughter giggles because it is two boys dancing. If he dances with her, she giggles because she is dancing with her brother.
This Saturday, though, I am alone. No reason. I just wanted to go for a walk by myself. I had just received an email from a friend. She had said that some of the words I had shared with her had given her strength and encouragement, so it was time for me to take a walk with Bay and give thanks to the One who gave me the words to begin with. Far be it from me to take any credit whatsoever. I learned long ago that the things I put my wisdom into turn out to be failures whereas the things I put myself aside and assert His wisdom...well, they blossom and flourish above all belief.
As I walk through the woods in the moonlight, thanking God, I reflect on the full day I have just completed. It started with Bay, my daughter and I at the beach. It was cold, but Bay still loves the water. My daughter had brought her clarinet and was sitting on some rocks, ignoring the world around her, and playing her music. Bay completed the workout exhausted. We rushed home to get ready for an early afternoon wedding. A young couple that is active in the youth group in our church was getting married. The wedding was open to all in the church. The reception was limited, so we would only be attending the wedding. My wife was working at the bookstore, so I decided to take my daughter to enjoy the wedding.
I guess as we were getting ready is when it hit me. My little girl is growing up. Is this dress too low? Which shoes should I wear? Guess I can't wear tennis shoes, can I? Does this make-up make me look emo? I wear a suit every day, but I decided to ask her which tie looked better. For some reason, I felt like it was a real date with my daughter and I didn't want to disappoint her. Oh, it wasn't, but part of me wanted to treat it like that. As we drove to the church, she talked to me about everything. Doesn't my hair look cute this way, daddy? I wonder who else my age will be there? Isn't it exciting to be all dressed up? I can't wait to see others there.
We arrived too quickly to a beautiful church, all prepared, all abuzz with sound checks and  pictures. We were ushered to our seats. I have to admit I was initially uncomfortable where they sat us. I am a big guy and I like to sit on the edge. If I sit in the center, I feel like I am intruding on others. However, after sitting there for a few minutes, I realized it wasn't too bad of a situation. Pretty ladies all around me and the one sitting to my left had read some of my blogs. Very quickly I felt relaxed and my daughter disappeared with her friends.
It was a beautiful wedding. Afterwards we stood around and talked for a while. I noticed that all these young people my daughter hangs around with are now young adults, or very close. The young ladies in gowns. The young men in suits. I felt old. I also felt very joyful. For a fleeting moment I felt like I had done some things right in my life. Amidst all the things I had done wrong, I could look at my daughter and say there is fruit of my labor and it is good.
As I stood in the moonlight on Saturday evening, I closed my eyes. For a moment, I was dancing again. Twirling. Giggling. First when she was a toddler in church when she could barely walk. She would twirl in her dresses. I would hold her off the floor and we would dance and worship together. We continued dancing together at church until one day it wasn't cool to dance with dad any more - except in the woods. Those are memories I will cherish forever. Last time we were out here dancing, she asked me what song was going to be our dance at her wedding. I have no clue. What did she think? She didn't know either, but she wanted to make sure we practice it because she wants it to be special for me. Yeah, me too, but even if we don't, that moment in time was special enough. I know life changes, dreams evolve, and we may or may not get that chance to dance at her wedding. But if we do, it will be full of memories.
Bay and I continued our walk in the woods. It was a quiet night. We could hear the waves hitting the beach where our day had started. He was right at my feet as we walked. I thought of all the promises of God.
4:39 So today be certain, and keep the knowledge deep in your hearts, that the Lord is God, in heaven on high and here on earth; there is no other God. 4:40 Then keep his laws and his orders which I give you today, so that it may be well for you and for your children after you, and that your lives may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for ever.
I learned long ago that I can't keep the commands, laws, decrees, and orders of the Lord. I have to totally and unashamedly lean on Jesus whose sacrifice for me is complete. I thanked God for this as Bay and I walked through the woods. I was praying out loud and Bay decided to join in with me. He makes a sound that is half growl and half howl. I am not sure if he thinks he is talking with me, but I let him go. I figure he can join me in my praises for my Redeemer. Scripture says that if I don't cry out, the rocks will, so why not my dog? I smile as we walk along the creek. The moon is glowing in it.
We head back to the house for a warm cup of tea and some bone for Bay to chew for a while. He seems content. I am content. God has richly blessed me. This day was special. It was one I will remember forever. A man, his daughter, his dog, and his God.
Copyright 2008, Voice_in_DC (Key words: Chapman Cinderella , Bay, wedding) |
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Joey |
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February 17, 2008 at 7:42pm |
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This beautiful piece of writing, and this piece of your heart? It doesn't surprise me at all. Thank you Boss! |
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Kathy |
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February 17, 2008 at 7:54pm |
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| :) You have the most beautiful heart! |
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Voice, you can always dance with Bay! then you would definately get some laughs! sorry, couldnt' resist. Now seriously, you are so amazing with words. So descriptive making me the reader feel as if I am there; in your head, in your house, at that church. The song going through my head as you spoke of your daughter was "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. I am certain you know this song. It is TOTALLY appropriate for all you voiced here. Wow. I want you to know how important your friendship to me is and what an awesome godly example you are setting for me in loving my family through your love for yours! Bless you. You are one awesome man of God! And one awesome daddy and husband and doggy owner too! lol And by the sounds of it, a dancer!!!!! |
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Lara, I know you can't download the videos. Butterfly Kisses is indeed a song appropriate for my life right now. This one that I posted here is a relatively new one by Steven Curtis Chapman called Dance with Cinderella. Here are the words:
She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She will be gone
Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone |
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That video made me cry!!! it makes me want to go sped more time with my dad.
Thanks for the blog :)
- Maria |
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Deb |
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February 18, 2008 at 7:16am |
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| I absolutely love these blogs that you write. They are filled with such emotion. What a beautiful tribute to your daughter. Thanks for the peek into your life. |
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Joey |
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February 18, 2008 at 1:50pm |
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You're going to cry when it happens. I know you will. Greg didn't but he had tears in his eyes when he walked Abbie down the aisle. She was so beautiful...
I decided I'm not going to let Sydney get married. She's going to be with us FOREVER !!! |
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Gene |
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February 18, 2008 at 1:51pm |
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Voice, you bring tears to my eyes.
My little girl's all grown up too. *sigh*
I understand.
Our special place was a slightly wooded field near an old covered bridge where the lightning bugs would sparkle and twinkle into the wee hours. It was a fascinating sight to see thousands of them all light up in all directions - sort of light being among the stars. Unfortunately, we moved 500 miles away from that place about a decade ago.
You are blessed, my friend. |
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Cheryl |
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February 18, 2008 at 1:56pm |
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| I am in tears...I pray this for my daughter. As a single-parent, I pray as I try to teach that she will know and understand these elements. Thank you for teaching your sweet young lady. |
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Cheryl, single parenting is tough. I was that way for six years. I consider it a true blessing that I have been given a second chance and I cherish each and every day.
Gene, thanks for sharing the times with your little lady.
Joey, up until I was 40, I wouldn't have cried. Now, who cares!! BTW, does Sydney know or your plans?
Thanks Maria. Go give your dad a hug and tell him you love him. He will really appreciate it a lot.
Kathy, thanks for seeing what some don't see. |
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Joey |
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February 18, 2008 at 5:55pm |
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| Boss, no she doesn't know anything about my plans. It's hush-hush. She wouldn't mind me anyway... She's seventeen, for goodness sake! I can pretend... |
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I'm with you Joey!!
Arlene, if and when God makes a way, I will write. For right now, He has me in DC, so I have very little time to write things that are not policy, technical, analytical, etc. As you can tell, it is something I enjoy...thanks. |
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What a wonderful world was my daughters dance. I think all three. |
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What beautiful writing. It definitely makes me appreciate the precious time I have been given with my kids and how quickly time passes. Thanks :) |
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| Prazehymn, as "the one sitting to my left who had read some of my blogs", I want to thank you so much for making me feel more comfortable. You didn't have to, but you did. Thanks. |
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An awsome post friend. That song "how great is our God" has been playing in the CD player in my head for 2 days now. I love it.
Blessings,
David |
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Cathy |
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February 20, 2008 at 7:04pm |
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| Dancin In The Moonlight by Van Morrison is cool too !! |
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| Cathy, I figured you would know where I took the title from... |
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| Still feel this way...after another walk in the woods tonight... |
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