Two recent events remind me of a truth that endures across cultures, time, and setting. Any and everywhere can be a place of celebration and hope. In darkness and pain, one can discover slivers of hope and beauty that give reason to celebrate! In times of uncertainty, there is opportunities to see and embrace possibilities. Celebrations can turn fear into courage, despair into hope, and the sense of being alone into the knowledge that one is part of a family.
Celebrations are not about orchestrated times and places. They can occur there however they are never limited to the predictable. Walking down the street, a restaurant with friends, or even quiet conversation are equal places of celebration.
Gifts of beauty, wonder, and surprise are always reasons to celebrate! If only because one caught and captured the moment. In looking at a picture that took me back to my childhood wonder, I found reason to celebrate. In rediscovering the joy of spending time with a friend, I knew it was a time of celebration. Even the funny gift of someone I once had met saying “hi” at a stoplight, even though he called me Fred, was a moment to laugh and celebrate.
Celebrations are open to anyone that wants to join in. I have come to appreciate the infectious joy that others bring to a celebration. At times I have no idea what role s/he played. I find that it does not matter. The old advice still rings true; “Sing to God – worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea.” (Psalm 96.2)
I have heard to caution to beware of celebrating to early. I would modify the advice. Celebrate what is real – what one has seen, touched, felt. Include the work that one has done. Each is important in itself. Celebrations are far more than just victory dances.
I start today looking to embrace the celebration moments that will come. I hope I see each one! I hope I will muster the courage to invite others to laugh and dance with me.
