JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

 

Natalie in dance class second from left.  Photo by Chris.

Dancing and singing have always been a big part of my life. Thus, I was delighted when my two granddaughters were born as I hoped that they would both enjoy dancing and singing as much as I had. They tried dancing. But the interest wasn't there. I believe both granddaughters and one grandson like to sing though.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, my parents (part of ‘The Greatest Generation’), enjoyed the dances held by various civic groups and clubs at The Natatorium Amusement Park dance pavilion; this provided much needed entertainment in Spokane during that difficult time. On any given night, several thousand dancers would pack the pavilion often attracted by popular local big band names—the music was often broadcast on live radio. When Phil Harris, musical director for Jack Benny's radio programs, played at the dance pavilion the large room was overflowing with even more dancers

After World War Two, my generation, (The Silent Generation 1928 to 1945), attended many sock hops and formals in high school and college. Even later those in Generation X (1965 to 1980) found their way onto the dance floor.  But when we went back to the1995 homecoming there was no dance at EWU. I can only guess that interests had changed. There seemed to be less joy in the air at that time.

But all is not lost.  Each generation can still continue to have joy.  Here is a piece written by Ed Decker who teaches us that we can still have joy as we age when dance floors have less appeal to us (not that the desire isn’t there). Joy comes to us at any age every morning when we dance with Jesus!

II Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.