The wet grass beneath her feet was nothing like the hardwood floors she was used to. Her shoes and tights were getting a little wet, but it didn’t matter, she had joy.
The music had no traceable source. It seemed to be coming from everywhere. It even felt as though it was rattling and bumping out of her, too. It had the perfect beat and one of those melodies that would get stuck in her head for days. She didn’t know the song but loved it anyway.
In place of the audience, the dancer saw squirrels and birds that didn’t seem to pay any attention to her. The occasional butterfly flitted around but also seemed not to notice her.
This was brand new. She had never even fathomed that she’d dance like this. But dancing had never been so good either. She didn’t know where she was or how she had arrived there, but feelings of triumph and gladness overpowered her curiosity.
After what felt like hours of dancing to the same song, she swiped her hand across her forehead and flicked sweat into the damp lawn beneath her. She leaned back and sat on a statue that had been behind her the entire time. It was more of a plaque, upright and concrete. Breathing heavily, she looked down and saw her own name and a couple of dates. One was her birthday. The other was just a few days ago. “What is this?” she wondered.
Before dancing, her last memory was driving in the rain. A semi had run a red light and her heart about jumped out of her chest when she saw it barreling toward her sedan. She didn’t know what happened after that moment.
Her joy only increased when she realized where she had been dancing. She had just finished her victory dance and now, it was time to move on.
★ ★ ★
The minute we’re born, a grave is too. It waits for us all our lives. Typically, we don’t know where it’s at, unless we happen to be one of those weird humans who invests into something like that while still living. That seems a little morbid, but some people do it.
Our graves are scattered all throughout this world and don’t seem to have any other purpose than to hold our cold, dead selves when the time comes. Unless you know Jesus. Then, they provide a platform to dance on, a place to revel in the victory we’ve been given. And we’ll use them for just that purpose.
Wow. Wasn't prepared for that. Beautifully written, Jake. You just keep getting better.
Thanks! I remember the first time I heard someone mention dancing on another person's grave, I was in Jr. English back in high school. I thought it was the funniest thing I'd ever heard! But as time has gone one and I've seen death from a different (Christ-centered) perspective, I've realized that we get to dance on our own graves!
I think it's time for you to be starting a book, Jake.
Oh Billy, that's the dream my friend, that is the dream. I appreciate the encouragement!
You painted a great picture, Jake. Thanks. So glad there's victory.
I hoped I did. I really enjoyed getting there. It's always a process trying to do it right 🙂 Thanks Jason!!!
Beautiful post! I totally didn't expect the twist there, but loved it. Thanks for sharing
I actually read this in December and still remember it. Loved it. It's memorable. I remember this scene. You imprinted it well. Jake, you can write beauty, too. [ I know, don't cringe,'k? 😉 ]
I love it. I appreciate the comment, this was an enjoyable one to write as well and it was something that God was talking to me about. I can't help but share even the excessively personal things God wants to do in my life, I just keep them vague enough to prevent too much embarrassment!
[…] There should be singing and loud, super obnoxious music. Bright lights and party favors and beer. There will be a dance floor. If anyone brings old photos of me, they’d better be awful- just for laughs. I’d like to […]