Our lives have their fair share of problems and then some more. I have, on many occasions, suggested that the bad, difficult, and problematic times of life are a natural part of life as we know it so the question is not how to prevent these occasions but how we can respond in and through them. It is very important to remember that life doesn’t end there but that we individually and corporately have moments of success. These occasions are not ultimate destinations but mere milestones that mark the progress towards the ultimate celebration when God triumphs over evil and the whole universe cheers!
If there are any doubts remember that John has already seen the final moment in vision. “The seventh Angel trumpeted. A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out, ‘The kingdom of the world is now the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah! He will rule forever and ever!’” (Revelation 11.15)
The time and distance between here and there is not going to be hell, lots of things can and should be celebrated. The obvious ones include a mother giving birth to a new child, the wedding celebration of two people in love, the completion of a course of study. As fantastic as these are, we often miss the really important ones. Consider the following.
The miracle that plays out in life when a person realizes that God accepts, loves, and passionately wants to be in relationships with them just as they are.
The moment that God’s infusion of peace and awe is accepted as an individual says “yes” to God’s mercy and forgiveness. If this is coupled with a person extending their compassionate acceptance of our “self” while expressing a willingness to forgive and move beyond the relationship break then the celebration doubles!
Each, every moment when we chose love and unconditionally grace over justice. This is especially true when we forgive ourselves and free our soul’s to accept God’s gift.
Life is full of difficulties along with beauty, awe, and success. Everything moment of grace is a reason to celebrate!
