The Nutcracker and the Grace of God
The Nutcracker Suite is almost as common at Christmas as Jingle Bells and Silent Night. Although I had heard about it for many years December of 1970 was my first opportunity to see the ballet. I was a student at U of Md.I was pretty sure that this guy I had met through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship might very well have been the ONE. I wonder if God choreographed the dance we were performing. Only one of us at a time was certain of the future. That was the one who led the way while the other pulled back fearful of moving too fast or in the wrong direction.
I was somewhat surprised when Steve mentioned the ballet. Now I could actually see what all the talk had been about.We had settled in our seats and the ballet had begun. Steve's arm was draped across my shoulders and at least two or three times he would pull me close and whisper that he loved me. I knew I liked him but love? I wasn't sure but I had to say something. I responded with an "I love you too" All I knew for sure was I had to see the ballet. That was why we came.It didn't take long before I decided I loved him too. We were engaged in June and married the next December.
Years went by and God delivered to us by means of a jet a beautiful baby girl. We named Laura after my mother. This child brought energy and excitement into our lives. Years later after God had graciously allowed for the delivery of 3 more into our family, one more by plane and 2 by traditional means, our first child was still full of energy that she often channeled into her own style of dance. When we had the opportunity to go to the Nutcracker it seemed tailor made for Laura. At first she protested strongly when she heard our plan. Intuitively I knew this was something not to be missed. After the performance I watched as Laura stared gloriously enraptured by the sight of one of the performers only an arm length away. I knew she would not soon forget that day.
More years went by. My youngest daughter married and after 4 years of marriage had a little girl named Grace. As she is approaching her eighth birthday, it is obvious how well her name suits her. After her arrival, both of her parents publicly professed their faith in Christ. This kind of commitment comes only through the grace of God. As a baby there were a couple medical scares,each of which turned out to be minor again by God's grace. With the added inches to her height has also come greater grace in movement. This is her third year of ballet lessons and this year her class danced in the school's production of the Nutcracker. Grace loved being a part of such an exciting production and she did her part along with the others with confidence.
Three productions of the Nutcracker over 44 years, each production marked 3 important instruments of God's grace in my life. The first was the beginning of my first love to a man who recently celebrated with me our 43rd anniversary. God has used Steve in my life in countless ways to God's glory. The second production reminds me of my mom's namesake, our first child who brought us great joy as she taught us to trust God more. The third production highlighted how our first grandchild has grown so much. First love, first child, and first grandchild all great reminders of God's grace on every generation. The Nutcracker Suite is more than a fantasy as it reminds me of the great reality found in God's grace.
I was somewhat surprised when Steve mentioned the ballet. Now I could actually see what all the talk had been about.We had settled in our seats and the ballet had begun. Steve's arm was draped across my shoulders and at least two or three times he would pull me close and whisper that he loved me. I knew I liked him but love? I wasn't sure but I had to say something. I responded with an "I love you too" All I knew for sure was I had to see the ballet. That was why we came.It didn't take long before I decided I loved him too. We were engaged in June and married the next December.
Years went by and God delivered to us by means of a jet a beautiful baby girl. We named Laura after my mother. This child brought energy and excitement into our lives. Years later after God had graciously allowed for the delivery of 3 more into our family, one more by plane and 2 by traditional means, our first child was still full of energy that she often channeled into her own style of dance. When we had the opportunity to go to the Nutcracker it seemed tailor made for Laura. At first she protested strongly when she heard our plan. Intuitively I knew this was something not to be missed. After the performance I watched as Laura stared gloriously enraptured by the sight of one of the performers only an arm length away. I knew she would not soon forget that day.
More years went by. My youngest daughter married and after 4 years of marriage had a little girl named Grace. As she is approaching her eighth birthday, it is obvious how well her name suits her. After her arrival, both of her parents publicly professed their faith in Christ. This kind of commitment comes only through the grace of God. As a baby there were a couple medical scares,each of which turned out to be minor again by God's grace. With the added inches to her height has also come greater grace in movement. This is her third year of ballet lessons and this year her class danced in the school's production of the Nutcracker. Grace loved being a part of such an exciting production and she did her part along with the others with confidence.
Three productions of the Nutcracker over 44 years, each production marked 3 important instruments of God's grace in my life. The first was the beginning of my first love to a man who recently celebrated with me our 43rd anniversary. God has used Steve in my life in countless ways to God's glory. The second production reminds me of my mom's namesake, our first child who brought us great joy as she taught us to trust God more. The third production highlighted how our first grandchild has grown so much. First love, first child, and first grandchild all great reminders of God's grace on every generation. The Nutcracker Suite is more than a fantasy as it reminds me of the great reality found in God's grace.
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