There seem to be seasons in a boy’s life when he wants to be just like his daddy. This is a precious and often times hilarious thing to behold when a little boy is two and three years old. He watches his dad closely and listens intently. He then follows by doing and saying what he has seen and heard in his father. And as he grows, he often imitates his dad in a variety of ways.
I was touched by the young drummer who has joined with the adults at the Swazi Cultural Village to perform traditional song and dance. I don’t know if the adult drummer or one of the dancers was his father or not, but I saw him watching them with great intensity and imitating their every move. He had studied their footwork and he pronounced each beat. He was in tune with the flow of the men and he anticipated the coming progressions. I could see in him the desire and confidence to become like the man performing beside him. I saw him look into the man’s eyes for approval and acceptance for the performance he was giving. He was becoming just like them.
As the African rhythm erupted my heart cried out to my God,
I long to be like You, my heavenly Father. I desire Your very heartbeat to be what pumps mine. I am studying Your ways and watching You move and work in people’s lives. May I step in rhythm to Your dance and live in Your love with the people around me. I want to do and be what I see in You. You are the One I am looking to, the One I am following, the One I will imitate.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph. 5:1-2
Wow great post! I really enjoyed it. Thoughts and prayers coming your way
me too.
“May I step in rhythm to Your dance and live in Your love with the people around me.” Love it, love it. I suspect this little guy could play circles around me on the djembe =) It requires the practice and imitation he’s willing to give it to be really good – something like what we should be doing with the Father. I miss you and can’t wait to share stories! Love, Sue
I love the theme and the way you illustrated it here, Marcia.
It’s good to see you blogging again!
Thanks Marcia for this great illustration! Praying for you and Scott!
Beautiful post…great photos, too!