The other day my attention was caught by the following quote:
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane
by those who could not hear the music.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
My mind immediately went to my life! There are so many things happening lately that could easily steal the joy (aka the music) from my life. Many of my friends have questioned if I'm in denial about reality. They say things like, "You seem to be doing so well considering... " That's a fair question. Most days it makes no sense to me!
But, I've chosen to hear the music & keep dancing regardless of what's happening in my life and even harder sometimes - what's happening in the lives of my loved ones.
When I read the Nietzsche quote, I thought to myself, "Wow, what a great quote to pair with a scripture." First, as is my custom, I decided to see who this "Friedrich Nietzsche" was before I shared the quote.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher of the late 19th century who challenged the foundations of Christianity and traditional morality. He was interested in the enhancement of individual and cultural health, and believed in life, creativity, power, and the realities of the world we live in, rather than those situated in a world beyond. Central to his philosophy is the idea of “life-affirmation,” which involves an honest questioning of all doctrines that drain life's expansive energies, however socially prevalent those views might be. Often referred to as one of the first existentialist philosophers along with Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855), Nietzsche's revitalizing philosophy has inspired leading figures in all walks of cultural life, including dancers, poets, novelists, painters, psychologists, philosophers, sociologists and social revolutionaries. (source, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
It's a bit puzzling how someone who challenged the foundations of Christianity says something that speaks directly to how I view my relationship with Christ.
Another part of the above cited article read:
That Nietzsche was able to write so prolifically and profoundly for years, while remaining in a condition of ill-health and often intense physical pain, is a testament to his spectacular mental capacities and willpower. Lesser people under the same physical pressures might not have had the inclination to pick up a pen, let alone think and record thoughts which — created in the midst of striving for healthy self-overcoming — would have the power to influence an entire century.
I see myself as having ill-health and often intense physical pain. Most of the time my "pain" is from struggling with mild anxiety & depression (worse in the winter months) or battling the insecurities of my youth which attempt to haunt me as an adult. However, despite those "ailments," I feel I'm accomplishing good things & sharing honestly with those who would listen. I totally believe that my honesty might bring hope & encouragement to another with similar struggles. Oh yeah, I'll admit, I get frustrated that I don't accomplish as many things as I think I should in most days. I'm far below the standards of others. But, I rarely ever wonder if I've not accomplished just what I should have done in that day!
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| My favorite dancing partner! |
I give myself no credit for... let's say: "spectacular mental capacities and willpower... inclination to pick up a pen, let alone think and record thoughts which — created in the midst of striving for healthy self-overcoming — would have the power to influence." I give all credit to the One who created me. I totally buy in to the scripture that says, "When I am weak, he is strong." 2Cor12:10 I totally buy in to the scripture that says, "Greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world." 1John4:4 I totally buy in to the scripture that says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil4:13
Perhaps it's a case of "I say poTAYto & you say poTAHto." If so, I'm still at peace & joyful about my outlook on life. I love to dance when there seems to be NO MUSIC at all :)
God gave each of us the opportunity to choose freely how to believe. Regardless of whether their views are in line with mine, I am grateful that there are people on this planet, from all walks of life, who are dancing when there appears to be no music :)
Are you a dancer?
FOLLOW UP NOTE: The day after I posted this, a good friend & local poet/writer, Chuck Kellum, posted the following poem. I think it's AWESOME...
Joy and Sorrow
Lively we the dancing do
Throughout the full night long.
A vestal sprite plays sweet the song
That buoys us ‘til the dawn.
And glumly he
Who cannot sleep
Does curse our merry way,
As all the while he’ll toss and turn
Until the break of day.
We in our glee
Know of him not,
But he in turn knows well
How he himself was once, like us,
Rapt in nocturnal swell.
And as our hearts rise light with bliss
His falls in dark despair,
Deaf to the tune
That lifts us now
Into the nighttime air.
©2013 by Chuck Kellum
