Key Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:4b – “A time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

Devotional:

Who doesn’t love a good dance party with your kids?  There truly is something about dancing that makes me feel free and alive.  I know that there is nothing I love more than going to a wedding and dancing with my husband, although he would probably rather us be sitting in a deer stand together.

Many times in the Bible when the word “dancing” is mentioned, so is joy.  Parenting is filled with moments of celebration and rejoicing. We witness our kids’ accomplishments, growth, and dreams coming to fruition. In these times, let us not hold back our praise. Let us celebrate their victories, giving thanks to God for His faithfulness. Dancing is a powerful way to express joy and freedom. As we dance with our kids through the seasons of life, remember to rejoice in God’s goodness. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

Think about the verses in 2 Samuel 6: 14-17 when David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the tent, the Bible says he is dancing with all his might.  Dancing is a form of worship to the Lord.  Our kids need to see us worshiping without hesitation. Without thinking, what does the person beside me think. Our hearts should be overflowing with joy from the Lord and one way to express that is through dancing.

So, I challenge you, the next time your child is dancing around the house, get up and dance with them.  Because there will also be days when we experience loss, whether it be the loss of dreams, expectations, or even the loss of a loved one. In these times of mourning, we can find solace in God’s promise to comfort those who mourn. He is the God of all comfort. We should draw close to Him, allowing Him to heal our wounds and restore our hope. Through our mourning, God can teach us profound lessons about love, empathy, and the greatness of life itself.

As much as we want to protect our kids from the realities of this world, we cannot, and the reality is that sadness and sin are in the world.  God says to take time to mourn together.  As much as we want to push past hard sad things, teach your kids that it is ok to feel sad.  Jesus himself mourns for his friend Lazarus in John 11:35, even when He knows that Lazarus will be risen in a few minutes, teaching us that there is a time to mourn. 

We have two boys, and it can be so easy to lean into what the world tells us about raising them. It tells us that they must be tough and can’t cry, but this is not what the Bible teaches.  Let your kids see you when you are mourning.  Lean into the uncomfortable moments.

Questions for reflection:

• How are you cultivating an environment of joyful worship in your household? 
• Have you encountered a season of mourning as a parent? How did you navigate through it and allow God to bring healing and restoration to your heart?