Stolen from a friend

My friend and college roomie, Erica Norton, is on the adventure of a lifetime--Traveling with her professor husband and two young children, they are leading a group of 25 college students from Concordia University to 10 countries in 4 months. In each country, they will be studying and experiencing the culture by immersing themselves in it, as well as taking part in many service projects. AND....they are doing it "backpack style" and staying on a budget of $27/day....Now, if THAT's not intriguing....

You can read all about their adventures here.

Below is a short article from the Concordia website. It is beautifully written by one of the students on the trip and well worth sharing. If anyone else besides me feels at times clutzy, awkward, ungraceful, unsure...this one is for you, too.

God’s Lead: A Devotional Perspective on Tango

http://atw.cui.edu/gods-lead-a-devotional-perspective-on-tango/
by Martha James, sophomore

He made eye contact with me. Startled at his advance toward me and the taking of my hand, I let myself be pulled to the center. Encircled around us, our friends and some strangers watched in anticipation. I was confused as to why he chose me. I had not learned the correct steps. Anxiety pulsed through me as he placed his hand on my waist and asked for my right to accompany his left. I wanted to warn the hollowed floors beneath our feet of the hurricane that would soon ensue.

I quietly reminded him that I did not know the steps. He looked at me with gentle calmness and replied, “Confidence, Martha.” After a brief moment of silence, interrupted by my deep breath, the music commenced. The tango tune coming from a small radio in the far corner prompted his first step. He led me forward, to the side, and then back, never losing focus. His eyes were locked on mine. In that moment, he guided me. There was no flaw in his movements. I felt secure.

Concordia students use blindfolds to practice tango steps.

God is asking for my hand every day. He desires to take me out of my comfortable state and solicits for my dependency. There is no hesitation in his strength as he holds me close. He knows every step perfectly and will not let me fall. I am graceful and elegant because of His determination to make me so.

He whispers confidence in my ears and my anxiety compares nothing to His peace. I am overwhelmed by His longing to dance with me. He chose me. Without His presence I stand still, motionless, without hope. The act of dancing by myself or to my own steps is futile. Looking into my soul, He reminds me of the trust that I am lacking and therefore need. Nothing wavers His steps.

I hear the beckoning of my love. He wants to lead me into a place of peace and rest with careful precision and with my faith solely in Him.