The Importance of Celebration

Out of every seven days, one day should have an intentional celebration.  Without proper celebration life becomes dull, busy, exhausting, and routine. Celebration reminds us of how wonderful life is. Did you have a celebration last week? 

REMEMBERING THE PAST AND HOPING IN THE FUTURE

To celebrate is to joyfully remember, with ceremony and ritual, the past. It is the public proclamation of the good that has happened. Celebration also reminds us there are more good things coming in our future, and it encourages realistic optimism.  To celebrate is not just having a party, it is a party that is intentionally designed to remember the past and proclaim hope in the future.  

Intentional celebration is hard. I heard on the radio about a recent study showing that 75% of those surveyed were pleased when their weekend plans were canceled. Personal experience confirms that finding; people are busy on the weekends, but they are not celebrating.

TIMING YOUR CELEBRATIONS

Some things should be celebrated every day. I think sincerely praying before every meal can be a small, meaningful, celebration for the meal God has given us. Some things can be properly celebrated every week. I think going to church every Sunday can be a celebration of God’s love and His salvation for us. 

Some things should be celebrated every year.  Last weekend we had a very special birthday celebration for Willy Nelson who turned six. We had over 40 people gather in our backyard for his party. There were decorations, great food, and a lot of chaos. It looked like a normal birthday party, but in the midst of the chaos there was some thoughtful, intentional celebration. Before we ate, I gave a heartfelt  speech where I expressed how much we appreciated everyone who came. It wasn’t long, maybe 60 seconds, but it was sincere. For a couple of hours Debbie and I then circulated among our guests and expressed individually how thankful we are that they have chosen to share their life with us; not just on this day, but throughout the past year. The party left us exhausted, but full of joy and thankfulness for the many people who are part of our lives. 

DON’T WAIT TO CELEBRATE!

Next week Debbie and I will travel to Louisiana to celebrate our friendship with folks we met when we were in Baumholder, Germany. It has been several years since we have seen these friends, but they are dear to us. Before we leave Cheyenne, I will think about how I want to celebrate my friends with words and meaningful gifts. 

The other day I got a call from a former soldier we knew in the 1980s. He got married a few years ago and we were able to attend his wedding. He was calling with an invitation to join him over the Labor Day weekend as they celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary. He explained he didn’t want to wait until they were married for twenty years before they had a proper celebration. I applauded his thinking and told him we’ll be there. 

Our world is full of things to celebrate: a God who loves us, people, the creation, the breath I just took, to name a few. But if we are going to celebrate properly, we must be thoughtful and intentional. I pray that you will think carefully about what you want to celebrate this weekend and make a plan to do it.