Dancing with Jesus...

Early this afternoon, my oldest son and I (really weird referring to Micah as my oldest) were searching through movies to try and find a movie to settle in and watch for the evening.  I was hunting for Christmas movies and he was hunting for movies that he is too young to watch, but wants to try and scam his way into watching (Gremlins).  I came across a movie I bought on Black Friday last year for $1 but never even bothered to open; Evan Almighty. 

I remember watching the movie once a long time ago and thinking it was pretty clean, and a pretty funny movie so we (meaning I) picked that as our family feature film for the evening and we settled in, just the four of us, to watch the movie.

Micah loved it, he thought the animals were cool, the boat was awesome, and that Steve Carrell was hilarious (especially since he is continually hitting himself with a hammer or being pooped on by birds); but what struck me came at the very end of the movie...

Steve Carrell has spent the whole movie doubting God, fighting God, and doing his best to rebel against God's will for his life - to build an ark to save the town and change some legislation to protect the forest and the animals.  In the end, Steve's character begrudgingly submits to God's will and ends up not only being the town laughingstock but the towns savior (little "s" is vital) as well!

He emerges from this journey God (Morgan Freeman - a great choice for the role in my opinion) has had him on with a better outlook on life, a better understanding of how to be a dad and a husband, and a much better view of God.  As the movie is concluding, he and his family head out on a hike with a picnic lunch and they are laughing and running and hugging when Steve looks up and sees God leaning under a shade tree smiling.

He leaves his family behind to go meet with God under the tree for a few moments (I'm sure there's a lesson there somewhere about priorities) and as they chat and talk about the events that have transpired over the last few months, Steve's character realizes that at every turn - God knew what he was doing!  That God was in control!

And, here was the cool part...

All throughout the movie, whenever Steve's character does something noteworthy or exciting (always self-centered and selfishly motivated) he has a cheesy cornball dance move that he does (think Kevin James in the movie "Hitch" but worse!!).

BUT...

That day, under the shade tree as he meets with God, God invites him to not only do his dance of celebration for obeying His will, but JOINS HIM IN THE DANCE!!!

As my family and I sat on our couch and watched this movie, I realized that I so often have a stuffy and religious understanding of God, that I lose sight of the fact that He wants me to enjoy him, to be silly with him, to make him laugh, to dance, to sing, to play!  He loves it when my family gets the giggles.  He loves it when I learn new things, or play with my boy, or enjoy coffee with friends.  God is not so serious as to avoid doing a silly dance with me.

God forgive me for always thinking that I need to be serious and "reverent" with you.  Forgive me for thinking that the BEST way to approach you is through rituals and practices that man put in place to limit your ability and increase their own. God, set me free to dance under the shade tree with you.   God, free me to be silly for your glory!