Ballet...

I really have no business blogging right now. My dishwasher needs unloading, my sink is full of dishes that need loading, and I have a load of washed clothes I'm hoping will somehow walk their way into the dryer. I haven't set the dinner table...and now T3 is waking...Also, I have yet to post on our adventure that kept me away for so long...one day soon. I'm still catching up.

However, I'll keep it short and sweet...last year MW took ballet. While she very much enjoyed it and we were pleased with her class and what she learned, we weren't too thrilled with the "raciness" of the moves the older girls were making...the older girls who my little MW idolized! So we prayed that God would open the door for a change, a move in a different direction. He was faithful to answer our petitions and we are thrilled! MW started ballet today. She's taking from a mama, we'll call her "Mrs. Ballet," who found her little girl in the same spot. After praying about what to do, God impressed upon her heart the desire and need to open a dance studio where all things are done to the glory of God. This is the note that came home from Mrs. Ballet this afternoon:

Dear Families,
Thank you for being a part of this great work. The world is trying very hard to influence our young girls for its gain, so in a small yet mighty way we are set on making a Godly stand by presenting dance as an act of worship and outreach. I want to remind you that our focus is Christ alone. We want to do our best, but at this studio a dancer's heart speaks louder than their ability. Let's be encouragers - fighting the good fight of faith together. I am excited to serve you this season.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ballet

Then, Mrs. Ballet handed me a "Spiritual and Physical Workout Chart." The chart includes places each day to mark:
• exercises/stretches
• quiet time
• scripture memory (verses MW is memorizing at school, church, and home can count for this portion)
• practiced dance routine
• pray for other dancers (in her class)

And then Mrs. Ballet handed me a cd with the songs "Shout to the Lord" and "To the Nations"...as I listened to them in the car, running errands while MW was dancing, I felt like the biggest dork. Tears welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks and I was SO overwhelmed with thankfulness that MW is being taught in ballet that ALL things, even dancing, are to be done to the glory of God! I am thrilled that she's learning dances to songs that praise and honor God! What a tremendous blessing.

So much pressure is out there to sign our kids up for the latest and best activities, with the most skilled teachers. Yes, excellence in all things. I am all about that. But, when I have a choice between excellence in ballet for the sake of physical skills verses heart issues, I am choosing the heart issues. Thank you Mrs. Ballet for teaching these girls that all they do is to be done to the glory of God. Thank you for choosing modest costumes and music that is praiseworthy, honorable, and good. Thank you for joining us in steering our little one away from the cultural norm. Thank you!