Jesus Dancing on the Hospital Wall

I’m sitting in my wife’s hospital room while she sleeps off the effects of a general anesthetic.

I’m looking at Jesus. That Jesus in the picture above.

This being a Catholic hospital I’m assuming that’s a crucifix on the wall behind her bed, but I can’t help but think the Lord looks like he’s striking a bit of a modern dance pose.

Caz has just come back from theater after a major procedure (don’t worry, nothing life threatening), so she’s out like a light right now, leaving me to watch over her and contemplate Dancing Jesus.

I quite like the thought of him as Dancing Jesus rather than Dying Jesus, because who wants to think about dying in a hospital if you don’t have to. Also because Dancing Jesus seems a bit more present and helpful than Dying Jesus right now.

Don’t get me wrong: I know he died for our sins and that was very helpful. But, at the risk of getting a bit corny and sentimental, I’ve been dancing with this woman for over 30 years now and I absolutely love her to bits, so it’s nice to think of the Dancing Jesus with us on the dance floor of life.

Actually, that was corny, wasn’t it?  Sorry.

Reminds me of the awkward lyrics to that old 1960s hymn, Lord of the Dance, the only hymn I can think of where Jesus sings to us, instead of the other way around:

“Dance then, wherever you may be,

I am the Lord of the Dance, said He,

And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,

And I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said He.”

When you’ve been in step with another person for as long as Caz and I have you well and truly know all their moves, including their bad ones. And if you can love them anyway, you’ve got something very special. And increasingly rare.

And if you both love Jesus, well, he gets so entwined in the choreography between you that it’s impossible to imagine him never having been there.

Someone once said, “Love is a dance that is performed by two hearts that have the same beat.”

 

Actually, I’d say it’s three hearts, because the truth is, I can’t actually even begin to picture who I am – let alone what I would be doing – without the two of them. My whole identity is thoroughly bound up in knowing and loving them, and in being known and loved by them.

I was once asked what I would say if I could write a letter to my 10-year-old self. That’s an easy one. I’d write to that anxious little kid, “Don’t worry. You’re going to meet Jesus and a beautiful woman, and they’re both going to hold your hand and love you, and help you to do all the things you need to do.”

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The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent the official views of Morling College or its affiliates and partners.

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14 thoughts on “Jesus Dancing on the Hospital Wall

  1. Love this Mike! I hope the recovery is swift and you’re back on the literal dance floor together soon.

    1. Thanks Dave. The irony is that the surgery was for a hip replacement, so I don’t think we’ll be dancing any time soon.

      1. Oh bummer. However, a second look at contemporary dance Jesus suggests it’s all in the knees. 😉

  2. Thank you Mike for that gentle reminder that the Lord does give us the perfect partner, even when we don’t always think so. For it is written that the Lord God knew us even before we were born. Oh forgive my rambling I pray that your dear wife has a speedy recovery.

  3. Lord of the Dance, a song I sang while in high school and perform a dance with this song with some classmates, given me thoughts as I read your blog. Our Christ is certainly the Lord of suffering but also the Lord of Dance, dance is not necessarily in a happy situation or celebration but also a role of movement in different emotion and in a way of leading. To me this Dancing Jesus does come along with the words of Lord of the Dance, shall dance along whenever He leads. Its not easy yet hope to be able in following.

  4. Mike. Great reflections. Thanks bro. And please give Cazzie our love.
    Love you

  5. Hi Mike,

    I love this reflection. Last week I sat in a similiar room, with my wife recovering from a tricky procedure, counting my blessings for all that she is, and staring at this image for quite a long time. Jesus dancing makes a lot of good sense to me; though I feel like he is missing a funky hat 😉

    1. I hope your wife is doing okay, bro. Blessings.

      1. Much better thank you. I trust your wife recoveries well also. Many Blessings 🙂

  6. Thanks Mike, lovely to hear these reflections from you. My wife and I will continue cutting those serious dance floor shapes. : )

  7. I hope she recovers well and quickly. Also, congrats on writing a post that didn’t get anyone mad at you! I love your posts.

    1. That last line made me smile.

  8. awwww so sweet!!! I love it that you love your wife-I love it more that you love JESUS! x at the risk of sounding patronising, written beautifully! 😉

  9. Yep, corny as anything…but beautiful nonetheless. Seems you’re quite as good at dancing with words as you are with your wife!

    I have read about the nature of the trinity being a dance: Perichoresis…the intimate dance between father, son, and Holy Spirit.

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