Sitting at a table on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, seated next to my wife and about three dozen banking industry peers, I could not help but consider the sense of injustice in my heart. My peers and I all were partners with the host company who provided us with a product which we in turn offered to our consumers. This was during their annual conference and it was one of the unique ways the host company sought to thank us. I was grateful and I was well aware of the historical significance of the complex, having watched Hee-Haw with my grandparents so many moons ago. But country music was and remains one of the few musical genres I just cannot seem to find an ear to appreciate. And that is why I felt there was the injustice. I know people who would have been elated to step onto the stage, let alone have dinner on it! And, as if that weren't enough, we found out that a singer-songwriter duo would be joining us to perform some of their songs, share their story and host an informal Q & A. That night was my first exposure to Tia Sillers and the Grammy Award winning song she co-wrote (with Mark Sanders), I Hope You Dance. The song was recorded by Lee Ann Womack and I might have heard it a time or two before then, but it certainly didn't impact me at all like it did that evening when Sillers belted it out, accompanied by Mark Shelby on guitar. I thought about my oldest daughter as Sillers sang. At the time, my wife and I had but just one child and I - like any parent - have always had hopes and dreams that she would pursue and achieve her hopes and dreams. I've carried that same desire with the other two as they've entered into the lives of their mother and I, too.

I Hope You Still Feel Small When You Stand Beside the Ocean

The setting for the intimate performance and the central massage of the song was perfect seeing as there were many a folk whose lives changed for better or worse right there on that stage. As careers took off,  some of them probably began to feel larger than life. Those who didn't take off, and may have even crashed as mightily as those who rocketed to fame, might have unfairly never overcome their failure. But at least they danced... I think about that evening often as I observe the growth and maturity taking place in my daughter's lives.

I Hope My Children Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,

I am not going to go through all the verses in this post, but wanted to share a few lines to help make my point. Children have an awesome sense of wonder. Some never lose it. Some lose it and regain it. Some, sadly, lose it forever. I pray my girls grow up enjoying life, pursuing it to its fullest, and really seek to put a dent in the universe during their time here.

May you never take one single breath for granted, GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,

That time is a precious blessing and an opportunity to do some awesome, wonderful kingdom building work. Let us not neglect the duties God  has assigned us. He will bless us as we love and serve Him.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,

This is an amazing line! There are times where I long for God to make me feel small again. There are times where I have to ask God to help me remember I can't do it on my own. I detail this a lot in Listen Up Kids, and will certainly be covering it more here on 1Glories in the near future once the book releases.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

Life is filled with ups and downs. Seasons of satisfaction and seasons of sorrow. Life happens. There are times where we are left wondering. But trusting in God will help us to persevere and learn from it. When we do, we shall see our next path become more clear.

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Life has two kinds of regrets. The regret of missed steps and the regret of no steps. The first comes with the benefit of wisdom gained. The other is accompanied only with remorse. Dance at your every chance.