I was driving home after a dance class the other night, fighting the discouragement rising inside of me.
Sometimes I leave class full of joy and feel encouraged that I’m progressing through my training. My dream feels within reach. But, sometimes I leave class disheartened that I’m not performing the way I want to be. And as much as I want to hold my head high and know with confidence that I’m improving, I don’t believe it every day.
If a teacher acknowledges me or I manage to perform the combo without messing up the choreography, I end on a high. But if I feel unnoticed or struggle to dance without making a mistake, I walk to my car a little frustrated with myself.
My top love language is words of affirmation. Which is, unfortunately, a bit problematic for being a dancer. While a compliment makes my heart soar, silence makes me question myself. It’s a struggle to detach my perception of myself from the approval of others.
And so, as I drove home the other night, I unpacked this pattern. I wrestled with why dance doesn't come as easily to me as it does for others. I didn’t understand why God would give me the desire to dance but make it so difficult to progress. Why was something that I had devoted 20+ years of my life to still so hard for me?
The answer?
God wants me to need Him.
If I’m floating through life, performing in every area of my life with ease, I have no reason to be dependent on God.
If dancing came completely naturally to me and I felt like a star every time I took a class, I’d be self-sufficient and confident without God.
If I walked into every social interaction carefree and confident, I would never ask God for help.
We have weaknesses so that we can be reminded to rely on God. His strengths are glorified through our weaknesses, like light shining through the cracks of a broken vase.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
When I think about the things I struggle with from this perspective, I’m filled with gratitude. I’m reminded what a blessing it is to have weaknesses. I never want to forget that I desperately need God. My life is so much brighter with Him in it. And the more opportunities I have to be reminded of His presence, the better.
Sometimes, dance is a struggle for me. But I suppose that’s a good thing. Because it forces me into the habit of praying as I drive to the studio. Knowing I can’t accomplish my goals without Him, I’m encouraged to invite Him into that area of my life.
What’s something that you struggle with? What would it look like to view that weakness as a gift rather than an inconvenience?
You might be surprised by the joy you experience when God’s strengths outperform your weaknesses.
Remember, you are loved by God, wonderfully made, and beautifully you. Don’t let someone else’s voice speak louder than what’s true.
Until next time…
hugs,
Kylie
