I hope you dance!

I know the Lee Ann Womack song I Hope You Dance is a bit of a cheesy song. However, God has used this as a reminder for me to be involved in my own life in spite of what others think.
I grew up pretty conservative. I don't know if it was something I picked up from my parents or just worked my way into it on my own. Either way, I was always aware of what was going on around me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I can definitely see now how that influenced my behavior. I have always been "professional", which for me, if I'm honest, translates into "afraid of what others might think." Back in the fall of 2010, when God really began igniting something new in me, PT and I found ourselves at several weddings. I can't say that I am a good dancer, but I have to admit I started longing to have the freedom to just get out there and let loose.
Recently I was reading Mark Batterson's Soul Print and he talks about this in relation to David's life. You may already know that David was known for dancing and praising the Lord. Now that doesn't sound so bad, right? Let's just set the stage for a better understanding. David was entering the city as King for the first time. He knew for many years that God selected him to be the next king, but Saul had been king and there was a lot of drama over a long period of time while he waited for his turn.
Well, it was finally here! He was entering the city in his own parade. He was honoring the Lord before all of Israel and bringing the Ark of God to the city. It was then that he decided to let loose..."And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment." (2 Samuel 6:14) Batterson portrays the event:
Mothers don't know whether to cover their children's eyes. His staff don't know whether to stop him. And a collective blush sweeps across the crowd. The king of Israel is down to a linen loincloth. Then His Majesty starts dancing like a little child without a care in the world.
Let me just say, I am not sure I can go that far in my letting loose at a wedding, especially where my husband is the pastor who just performed the ceremony. However, it is a good reminder that I can't be inhibited so much by what others might think that I am afraid to really be me.
Are you worried about what others might think? Does it keep you from being who God wants you to be? I hope you can find some assurance from this story of David, like I did, to know that it's ok to be you. God made you just the way you are for a reason and he doesn't want you to let life pass you by without YOU being a part of it.

I HOPE YOU DANCE!