FLOURISH IN CELEBRATION

By Kori Yates

We have many opportunities in military life to celebrate. From promotions to job changes, babies to weddings, ceremonies abound as does the cake. Even in military life I have found it important to celebrate the smaller moments just as much as the larger ones. 

The pomp and circumstance of ceremonies, the joy of new births, and new lives joined in matrimony are occasions worth celebrating. However, so are the completions of challenging schools, reaching a new rank, or even finding the right house at a new duty station. In our family, we have even celebrated finding our way around our new location without the GPS, going a bit further down the trail on our run, or making new friends. These celebrations don’t require balloons and gifts but they are still moments to celebrate. 

Recently, my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. Neither of us are gift-givers, so we had simply planned to go out to dinner. It was a lovely evening of time together. While we were gone, our children had been hard at work. When we arrived home, they ushered us into the living room where our wedding picture was posted on one of the moving boxes. There were two hearts and a “Happy Anniversary” sign hanging from the landing at the top of the stairs. They even threw confetti (torn up construction paper). It was quite the celebration, to say the least. 

I love these celebrations. The spontaneous joy and heart-felt sentiments make it special. God has truly given us reason to celebrate because blessings abound in our lives. I have found that celebration begins with thankfulness. 

Celebrations reflect gratitude for things others have done, as well as for the blessings of God. The Bible is packed with celebration. Reading through the Old Testament, it becomes obvious that celebration is important to God. He commands the Israelites to celebrate many feasts. 

Celebration is important for us because it’s important to God. In our family, we’ve gotten better at celebrating over the years, but it takes practice. 

How to Flourish in Celebration:

1.    Start with giving thanks. 

2.    Join with others. 

3.    Simple is good. 

4.    Take it home. 

Celebration is an important part of the life of all believers. It makes a difference in us, but it also makes a significant difference in those around us. 

Ponder:

How and what will you celebrate today?

Verses to Consider:

Hebrews 10:24-25 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

2 Samuel 6:13-14