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life{in}grace

live with more presence, passion, & purpose

Clear Eyes, Full Heart

by 212 Comments

preciousthings

My eyes couldn’t take it all in last night.

It may have been the most beautiful barn in the world, surrounded outside by an abundance of hydrangeas, lantana, and gorgeous urns full of summer’s bounty.  The stained concrete floors, the rich wood walls and ceilings, the antler chandeliers, and one hundred pairs of the world’s most beautiful boots—it was a sight for sore eyes.

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure heaven will be something like a square dance.

The age range was something like 7-77 but it was hard to tell which group was having more fun.

Teenage angst doesn’t stand a chance against this kind of fun.   There were a few on the fringes who were a little too embarrassed/shy/fearful at first.  It’s easy to focus on ourselves, on our own insecurities, on the self-doubt that can so easily cripple us.

But the key to square dancing (and maybe to life?) is to look outward.  To be willing to see how the world shines.  And to honor it by dancing.

squaredance

To be willing to look beyond ourselves, if just for a while.

To take someone’s hand, whether she be 7 or 77 and honor her however we may.

squaredance2

Last night, to do honor meant to dance.  (In cute boots, of course.)

boots

Today, it means to finish the laundry, talk to the teenager, chop up the salad, and write the words.   It doesn’t seem very precious at all, actually, but doing the next thing needed to bless the next person in front of me is to show honor.

And oh, the times I’ve blown it.  Too busy, too full of self, too burdened, too afraid.

Opening my eyes and my heart are always harder than I think.

I have to wade past my selfishness, my doubt, my impatience, my heartache and my own stubborn agenda.

Today—I hope I have eyes to see.

I hope I can muster the courage to jump in with both feet.  To dance.  To listen.  To see how the world shines and to find some small way to honor it.

courage

What precious things are you holding today?  What would it mean to honor them?

(p.s.  I’ve MISSED you like crazy!!  Also? You should totally hire a square dance caller for your next event!)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marie at the Lazy W says

    Oh yay, you wrote! xoxo I had prepared myself for fewer updates during your memoir work, haha. : ))
    Beautiful post for sure. These words remind me of the lessons in humility… That it’s not so much thinking less of oneself but of thinking of oneself less.
    Looking outward, DOING love, not just feeling it.
    I like how life work in cycles, from the big and flashy right back to quiet, almost mundane. It soothes me, this rhythm.
    And last night I started reading Lewis’ Surprised by Joy.
    Hugs to you Edie!! xoxo

    Reply

  3. Ginger says

    Dieing to self, fear,insecurities and all the other stuff that hits us each day seem easier when we reach out to others . So many opportunities are at our fingertips if we can just get the focus off ourselves . Thank you for your encouraging words 🙂

    Reply

  4. Gilly says

    I love you Edie! You are such an inspiring person, what you do touches so many lives and I just adore reading your little pockets of sunshine…..

    Reply

  5. carole says

    I always know when I have read something special, super impact full because I find I try to memorize it. This is a complete home run! Love it. You’re the best. Onward and outward!

    Reply

  6. Lisa M. says

    Missed YOU like crazy!!!!!!! Was so happy to see a new post! I know to expect less posting as you write your book (Cannot wait to read!!!!), but I still check every day! Loved the post and all those amazing boots!!!!

    Reply

  7. Kelly says

    I fondly remember square dancing as a little girl in an old Grange building. I still can’t keep a beat but I bet I could still square dance! Off to try and locate a place where square dancing is still alive for the sake of my little girls. Thanks for bringing back such a sweet memory!

    Reply

  9. Melanie @ Carmel Moments says

    I’m holding onto these last few weeks of summer. Enjoying the kids close by, the fresh garden vegetables, the sleeping in, the barefeet and pausing to enjoy the moments.
    #lifepaused is my hastag this season.
    Thanks for sharing Edie!

    Reply

  10. Stacy says

    Welcome back- even if it is only for a short visit. I’m also one of those who check your site daily. 🙂 Wonderful post!! As I embark on my first year of homeschooling my 6th grade daughter (can I TEACH 6th grade math?) I find your post to be a reminder that even in the mundane things we can bless others.

    PS- And the boots in the first picture…I’d take any of them!

    Reply

  12. Southern Gal says

    I love all the cowboy boots! Our sweet square dance caller passed away about a month after our last square dance last year. Mr. Spence loved to dance through life with the love of his life. He was precious to so many. We haven’t even looked into getting another caller. It’s probably time.

    Reply

  13. Sarah says

    We are in the planning stages of a recreation ministry at church and I am thinking Square Dances need to be at the top of the list! 🙂 Thank you for the encouragement today.

    Reply

  15. Patricia Reed-Pederson says

    Oh how I wish I could stop and smell the air and flowers. I would love to be able to enjoy the short summer too. I do get some time in but long for more. 31 years at a good job and I dont see the end soon. I make the best of it and I relax with your blog site weekly, thanks for the refreshing break!

    Reply

  16. Karrie says

    Oh my! I thought I knew all boots….. But (breathless) what is your sister wearing? Lucchese? Old gringo? Somehow these have escaped my mental rolodex of boot knowledge!

    Reply

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