The Dance

One of the observations I have made recently is that a good conversation has a rhythm. It is much like a dance or a song. There are fast paced moments and slow paced moments. It can also be like a meal, milk-toast or zesty and spicy.

I love to talk; however, I used to find conversations with people regarding different opinions on a subject very difficult. I would often try to avoid those conversations or find ways to smooth things over, or steer it so that a certain calmness and light-heartedness returned. Dean and I never argued as a rule and we seemed to agree on most things. He and I were like two peas in a pod. There were a few subjects where we found ourselves on opposite sides of the fence and I can remember being surprised by that. In a good way.

I have begun to look at conversations in a different light. I like them peppered with different people, with different view points, with passion, with an ability to articulate their position, and a willingness to let other people share their thoughts with equal time without negative judgments or snide asides. Those are not necessary, helpful, mature, nor effective, just argumentative and destructive. I look for duct tape when those people begin to talk. Life is negative enough and those comments or conversations are like badly cooked meals, only good for the garbage disposal. They aren't beneficial, they don't uplift and they don't build up.

Our Monday night Starbuck's group has had very interesting conversations lately regarding life, faith, friends, and God. We read and then we come together to discuss; however, as with a fine meal, there are many courses to our discussion. We have our appetizer - how's your week? We have the salad - read a portion of the book. Then there is the main course - conversation regarding the thoughts in the text. And last, but not least, the dessert. (Duh... it's the coffee!!! LOL.) No, seriously, the dessert is the laughter that comes with the conversation. It's the camaraderie and sharing of ideas and life. It's the bonding that takes place between people. And as with most meals, there is salt and pepper. The salt would be the words used in the converation, the pepper is the passion that people bring to the discussion. It's their perspective on issues that add interest.

Conversation is a dance. A meal. A shared experience. It's fun. It's spicy. It's a vortex. It's a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter, friendship, acceptance, giving, and taking. Words dip and sway, move in and out, weave word pictures, convey passion and conviction. Words sway, convince, defend, challenge, question, and convict.

I suppose God has used my time of solitude to open my eyes to the value of healthy conversation. He has shown me that while milk-toast conversations are smooth and palatable, sometimes you need a healthy dose of pepper and spice to jazz things up a bit. It causes you to think, to ponder, to analyze your motives and opinions. You wrestle with ideas and question people and their beliefs to learn more about them and why they do what they do.

I look forward to our conversations... let the dance begin.