I love to dance. The “boogie” has meant a great deal in my life. It was my good fortune to meet my beloved sweetheart on the dance floor. She swept me off my feet the night we met and continues to do so every day of my life.
There are few things in life that can capture our attention like a couple moving in perfect tempo and grace across the dance floor. Rhythm, strength, beauty, and accord are but a few of the terms one might use to describe the poise and harmony of ballroom dancing.
As a boy, I remember being somewhat amazed when I heard my parents mention that they danced the Foxtrot across the ballroom floor. Not because I thought they were incapable of such, but perhaps because it was more than I ever expected, their lives are a breathtaking performance still.
Their examples have come to demonstrate their quality of character in a beautiful dance. I have been beholden to witness their grace and charm on life’s stage most in the midst of adversity. The ebb and flow of pleasant experiences and harmonious times have not weakened the exhibition. On the contrary, the obstacles they overcame together have made them an even more beautiful couple.
No. I could never have imagined then the immaculate concert performed by my parents day-in and day-out throughout their lives. When I envision their dance through life, I see a couple moving in perfect harmony. Every eye is on them—children, grandchildren, great grandchildren—each measures his expectations for life from the model performed by parents. We gauge our abilities from those we see in our parents and grandparents. The vision and example that I see is comforting:
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A tall gentleman who stands straighter than those around him with head held high in the confidence of his Maker. His box frame shelters his partner and provides an example for his family. As our mentor, he is focused, intent, and hardworking, loving, and accepting. His partner, a beautiful and genuine lady with an eye for style and good taste, is clothed in the strength of the Lord. Her deportment is the envy of queens and result of her virtue. There is beauty in their partnership and distinction in their presentation. Gliding across the dance floor of life as a couple, they are a joy to behold and a model for their family’s lives. In a small way, we can each experience the poise and beauty of the dance by witnessing the grace and dignity demonstrated by our parents. We are better people to have viewed their performance.
It is vital to recognize that it hasn’t always been perfect and was never easy. The dance has taken endless rehearsals and hard work. But the important point to note is that a goal was set, an objective achieved, and an expectation exceeded.
“And where do we go from here?” one might ask. The answer is that we carry on. We stand in holy places and continue to move forward toward the flawless, pristine, and serene performance of Him who is our perfect example, until one day we stand on hallowed ground and feel His embrace—the arms of the Master encircled about us forever in safety, as a family. His love, mercy, and grace are our reward for holding on to the things we know to be right and participating in the dance.
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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