The Dance of Youth

I love this painting. The title is, The Dance of Youth by Pablo Picasso. I have no idea what his story behind the painting is. If anyone knows I would love to hear it. I know where my mind goes when I look at the painting. I see youth full of energy - expressed in their dance. These youth are all from different places and backgrounds. Their differences are represented by color, though it does not necessarily mean race. It could be differences in personality or life situations. The differences could be related to family background or religious upbringing. The differences could be temperament or personal preferences. It doesn't matter. These youth aren't focused on what makes them different. They are focusing on what has brought them together and it is so significant that is causes them to dance. They are expressing energy and zest for life. All of their energy - their dance - seems to be centered around and focused toward this dove in the middle. When I see this dove I see a representation of how God has changed our lives through Christ. The impact Christ has had on each of these youth is so significant that the differences between them no longer matter. They aren't even focused on the differences between them. They are simply loving life as they give their energy back to the dove.

What a sad painting this would be if the youth were sitting around looking at one another - Worse pointing at one another - and comparing life situations. Nobody would want to see a painting like that. What a sad painting if everyone was stiff and lifeless because they were felt so beaten up by life. How sad if these youth had no energy to celebrate their new life because strained relationships with the people around them had completely taken their focus off the dove. That's not what this painting is of. This is a painting that has appeal because something so significant has happened to these youth that they have realized the foolishness of being bogged down with petty differences when they could be enjoying the new life that God has given them.

Enjoy the dance of youth. Acknowledge that God has created us all different and then move on and give your energy - your work - your study - your play -whatever you do in honor of the one who has created you and given you new life in Christ.

I'd love to read your reflections as you think about the implications of, The Dance of Youth and how you are expressing your energy and enthusiasm toward the one who has give us new life.