I Hope You Dance

I remember back around this time in 2019. I felt a lot of hope for 2020. And then the Pandemic changed our view of the world. It changed the way we felt; it altered our sense of direction; and it brought tremendous tragedy, crisis and suffering.

We always have choices. In this world of suffering, we can still reach out and help the person beside us. We help ourselves in the process. We can still offer compassion to those in need. For we are all always in need. We all have a story. We all sail through life on an amazing journey. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. There are times we need a lot of help.

It costs little to avoid being part of a toxic lifestyle. Too avoid stirring trouble. Using wise discretion when sensitivities are high. Offering and showing acceptance - sometimes even showing respect - to people around us. Being a Peacemaker instead of a Hellraiser.

Life is short. Even shorter for some. We have choices. Let's make positive choices as often as we can. Sometimes, it means making big changes in our lives. It can also means just making a small change. And this reminds me of a song by Leeann Womack: I Hope You Dance...

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty handed I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance I hope you dance I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance Never settle for the path of least resistance Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin' Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin' Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along) I hope you dance I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) I hope you dance (where those years have gone?) I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance Dance I hope you dance I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along) I hope you dance I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) I hope you dance (where those years have gone?) (Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) (Where those years have gone?)

It's September the 1st. I hope we all choose to support those around us this month... and for the rest of our lives... who are trying to dance. Let's all try to dance together. It's time.

Peace.