A LOVER’S DANCE

Through my 1120mm telephoto lens, I watched them jump and spin in their courtship dance! There was no holding back. All composure was gone! The dance was not about trying to attract any partner, as is the practice of many bird species. It was a dance specifically for their lifelong companion! There were moments when the elaborate dance seemed so passionate that it was nearly violent. Bowing his head low to the ground and then quickly raising it, beak pointed to the sky and leaping while spinning. Often pulling up stalks of last year’s grain and hurling it into the air!

As I was processing the nearly 1,000 photos I took of the Sandhill Cranes, I found myself humming a popular worship song with the lyrics running through my mind, “You dance over me, while I am unaware…” (Amazed by Phillips, Craig, and Dean). This Scripture passage joined in my mind:

“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day]. [For then it will be that] the Lord has taken away the judgments against you; He has cast out your enemy.

The King of Israel, even the Lord [Himself], is in the midst of you; [and after He has come to you] you shall not experience or fear evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not, O Zion. Let not your hands sink down or be slow and listless.

“The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:14-17 (AMPC)

At the sight of His Daughter (Israel), the Heavenly Father is filled with so much JOY that He exults over her with singing. The word “exult” or “rejoice” in the original Hebrew means to spin around under the influence of violent emotion. A passionate dance!

the Heavenly Father dances passionately in great joy at the sight of you!

This passage in Zephaniah addresses the Nation of Israel specifically, but the Father’s attitude toward His family members applies to you too!

“‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” ~ Luke 15:9-10

The saints (everyone who is in Jesus) are referred to as the Father’s children, and also His betrothed – the Church (Ecclesia) is Jesus’ Bride! And we have a wedding date soon approaching!

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” ~ Revelation 19:7-9

I can’t be certain, but given God’s nature and Biblical descriptions of His great joy over His people, a celebratory dance unlike anything humanity has ever experienced is coming!

The courtship dance of the Sandhill Cranes reminded me that the Heavenly Father dances passionately in great joy at the sight of you! And the exceeding JOY of being seen by Him! Just as He encouraged His daughter, Israel, to ‘rejoice and glory with all her heart’ because she was seen by Him, He invites you to do the same—join Him in the dance! It’s a beautiful, reciprocal joy. It’s intimate. It’s together. And it’s monogamous!

“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:2

I only took a few short video clips. Enjoy this short video of the Sandhill Cranes in their courtship dance.

Blessings!

Courtship Dance of the Sandhill Crane

Interesting facts about Sandhill Cranes.

Standing nearly four feet tall with an impressive wingspan of up to seven feet, sandhill cranes are among the most majestic migratory birds to grace Washington’s skies. Their distinctive gray plumage, red-capped foreheads, and haunting, trumpet-like calls make them an unforgettable sight and sound during their seasonal migrations. As ancient as they are elegant, these cranes form lifelong bonds, performing elaborate courtship dances that add to their mystique. Each spring and fall, thousands pass through Washington’s Columbia Basin, pausing in wetlands and farmlands near Moses Lake and Othello to rest and refuel on their journey between breeding grounds in the north and wintering areas in the south (California, Arizona, and Mexico). Their migration is not only a spectacular natural event but also a vital part of the region’s ecosystem, drawing birdwatchers and conservationists who recognize the importance of protecting their dwindling habitats. The annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival in March celebrates their return, reminding us of the delicate balance needed to ensure future generations can witness the awe-inspiring sight of these ancient travelers soaring through Washington’s skies.

“The Love Dance”