There once was a little ballerina

Still only in her dreams

She watched the dancers pirouette

And wished she could be like these.

 

They twirled and twirled in perfect form

“Oh, one day this I’ll be”

But the little ballerina

Had no idea, you see.

 

That perfect spin upon the toes

Was years and years of work

Practicing with bleeding sores

And feet just needing soaked.

 

Their days were filled with discipline

To learn their craft so well

One day they reaped all they had sowed

And danced they did so well.

 

They missed a many playful things

That others got to do

But stirring deep inside their hearts

Was God’s little dancing tools.

 

So the little ballerina

Who knew still but a dream

Pondered in her heart, again

If she could dance like these.

 

God did bow really low

And whisper in her heart

“I made you to dance for me

But you must do your part.”

 

With utter joy she took her place

And practiced hours a day

She surrendered to the discipline

And soon she became great.

 

She thanked the Lord for helping her

And teaching her His ways

He whispered, “Little ballerina, your training was not in vain.”

 

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.