This morning I was recalling facts about muscle movement that I learned in a high school health class. Yes, I still remember stuff that I learned way back in high school. Of course, in those days, school was more of an institution of learning than the self-esteem and diversity appreciation centers that we have today.

I recalled how when we decide to do something as simple as turning the page of a book, a nerve impulse travels from our brain to the intended muscle area (our arm), releasing a neurotransmitter, which causes a change in chemistry – allowing sodium-guarding membranes to become sodium permeable, releasing sodium into the muscle, causing another chain of events that results in contraction of the muscle. When it’s time for the muscle to relax, another nerve impulse causes the reuptake of the first neurotransmitter, changing the permeability of the membranes, cutting off the sodium supply to the muscle, and also reversing the muscle contraction. I’ve totally simplified the process for this post, but you can find a more detailed description here.

Now, consider someone dancing (of course not that dirty dancing that any good Baptist wouldn’t be caught dead in). Think about a talented ballet dancer or King David dancing before the Lord (2 Sam. 6:14). Consider the multiple, simultaneous muscle contractions and relaxations occurring throughout the body in rapid succession. Sure, you can make a robot to weld an automobile chassis – but to dance? With so much fluidity of motion? With such complex and ingenious biomechanics?

We are indeed, as the Scripture proclaims, fearfully and wonderfully made.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14)

For those of you are physically unable to dance because of injury, or a handicap from birth, I would like to acknowledge you frustration, and to encourage you to long for a glorified body, with which you will be able to dance in praise before the Creator. (1 Cor.15:35-57; Is. 35:5,6; Psalm 149:3).