A new dance every day

Nobody knew all the new steps. The dance started slow and steady, like a gentle waltz, back and forth with big smiles. Everyone was gliding next to each other, sharing stories, and laughing; it was easy to keep up. As the day went on, the music got faster and louder, and the steps were nearly impossible without guidance. The beat was heavy and fast, more people piled on the dance floor, and the toe stepping created pain from old wounds. The music sounded like a rave, chaotic, and blinding. Words began to fly that hurt worse than the physical pain. But, then the instructor gently stepped in and changed the rhythm. He began to speak words that brought healing, hope, and restoration. As the focus shifted to the instructor, the music seemed to slow, and the steps became easier. There were still toes stepped on, and stumbling, but there was a new rhythm, a rhythm of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.