I saw Riverdance today, part of their 20th Anniversary tour. I loved the show when I first saw the PBS Special, and that love was undiminished today. It was everything I could have imagined and more, the beauty of the music and the spectacle of the dance. I was enthralled and giddy as a child watching the performance.
I think I've shared before my affinity, my affection, my obsession with Celtic music, beginning with Enya (I just discovered she has a NEW album!!) and Clannad. I've loved listening to the Thistle and Shamrock on NPR over the years. I'm a Celt at heart. And as I listened to the music and watched the dancers, I felt a pang of longing, a longing for the beauty that came from the, at times, surreal sounds of the music and the vibrancy of the dancers, the rhythm and sway. I thanked God for that beauty, because all beauty comes from God. He is Creator and as I sat in that theater, watching the stunning displays of artistry, I saw His hand in the movement, I felt His heartbeat in the percussion. It was a sacred and thrilling moment for me. It was beautiful.
It was a lovely respite today, to see the show. It was a reminder that there is beauty in the world, if we just look for it. I saw it this evening in my grandsons' faces as we went looking for a Christmas tree for Mimi's house. They were excited in their own special ways. Maseo helping to find the right tree was there with the main group, looking at this tree, checking that tree, happy to be part of the adventure. Uriah was busy hunting for slices of tree trunks around the lot and he came away with a small grocery bag (graciously provided by the tree lot seller's wife) full of slices that his mom said would make great art project/christmas gifts. Rhett was busy entertaining the seller and his wife with his toddler antics and engaging smiles. It made for a lovely end to the day.
And now I'm here at home, still enjoying the neatness of the place since the get-together yesterday and reading today's devotional. It's a message of peace, peace to those who believe.
The people who enjoy the peace of God that surpasses all understanding are those who in everything by prayer and supplication let their requests be made known to God.
The key that unlocks the treasure chest of God’s peace is faith in the promises of God. So Paul prays, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). And when we do trust the promises of God and have joy and peace and love, then God is glorified.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom he is pleased—men who would believe.
Couldn't decide on a song to share, so am going to share two. The first is a song that I heard recently and knew I wanted to share, and it fits with the devotional tonight. The other is a Celtic Christmas carol, naturally…
An tsíocháin a bheith in éineacht leat.
All Things Elda 