. . . You will find him if you look for him with all your heart . . . Deuteronomy 4:29

The little girl ran out on the platform with her hands holding the hem of her dress as if she were waiting to take a bow. She tiptoed, half skipped, tiptoed again, and then bounced until she reached her appointed spot. The dancers came together in a circle of white.

It was the annual children’s program and all the dancers began to move, keeping a watchful eye on each other, all but the little girl who tiptoed and bounced. She looked toward my section. She twirled then looked toward the left side. All the girls raised their hands gracefully then dropped to the floor, arms stretched forward and heads bent down. All except for one who was looking towards the left side. She held up her head, stretching to look over her shoulder.

I was so curious I finally looked to my right and found the object of the girl’s attention— her mother. She was waving her hand up and down, encouraging her daughter to keep her head down. The girls stood, made a few more turns and exited the platform. Some skipped, others ran—all except one who trailed behind, looking toward the left side.

The Lord spoke to my heart in such an endearing way. Daughter, I want you to look for Me as you dance.

I thought of all the times I have gone about doing what I thought was important—never once stopping to see if He was there with me. I have danced through life, going through the motions, running in circles and not once looked to acknowledge His presence.

Now I try to make a conscious effort to look for the Lord as I go through my dance called life. Whether I tiptoe, half skip, or bounce; I look towards the left side. The amazing thing is that I never find Him on the left—He is always front and center, His gaze only on me.

Set your gaze on the Father who encourages you.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leads a variety of Bible studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions