You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11(NIV).
I wrote this blog post to help us reflect on the last 24 months. Many of us have experienced ups and downs, joys and sorrows, success and failure, hopes and disappointments, and so on. Even now, a lot are still facing the aftermath of some remarkable and unpleasant events that have taken place in the last two years. These include the COVID 19 pandemic, loss of jobs, broken relationships, the demise of loved ones, etc.
There’s no doubt that these past months have taught us that life is short. For instance, there were friends, family, and other loved ones who were here with us last year, but today, they’re not with us anymore. Their chairs at the dinner table are empty, but despite it all, we still have a lot to celebrate.
Several of the events that have taken place made me realize the need to celebrate everything – small and big, stupid or endearing; messy or planned, surprising or emotional – even dangerous. Yes, it’s true that nothing in life ever sails smoothly, so we have to keep fighting. We’re at liberty to get annoyed, laugh, or cry when necessary, as well as give attention to the good things in our lives even celebrate little successes and victories.
Since life is filled with all kinds of individual moments, I urge you to celebrate every one of those moments. Though not all moments are things you’d want to re-experience, nevertheless, they’re your moments – and that’s what makes each one invaluable.
What Does it Mean to Celebrate Life?
We should come to the point where we learn to acknowledge and accept harsh realities, and still celebrate life joyfully in every turn. True joy is found by finding a balance between the ideal life and daily realities. This is where God meets us; it’s where the Holy Spirit empowers us and teaches us how to live a victorious Christian life characterized by God’s unspeakable joy.
Celebrating life is a choice. Each day, God extends His hand to offer us the gift of another day to live. As such, we have the choice to take that gift and turn it into 24 hours of joyful living; or the choice to let it become 24 hours endured in a broken world. For me, I’ve chosen to accept it—to transform every minute of the day into a life where I bask in God’s love. A life He has given to us to enjoy His presence, to see His mighty hand at work, to appreciate His goodness; and extend these feelings to the lives of others.
Best Way to Celebrate Life
Sometimes situations arise very suddenly in our lives, which leaves us feeling depressed. At other times, we get overwhelmed, especially when we encounter unpleasant things that nothing prepared us for. But no matter how tough the challenges get or how difficult it seems to adjust to some sudden changes, always remember to celebrate life. In my opinion, the best way to celebrate life is to stay, calm, positive, thankful, and joyful no matter what life throws at you.
Through the difficulties I’ve experienced in the last two years, I’ve cultivated a positive mindset and how to stay solution-oriented; as well as happy regardless of what’s going on around me. If you imbibe these, trust me, they would work wonders for you as you gear up for another year to celebrate life.
One beautiful thing about celebrating is that it helps us stay happy and motivated to work towards our goals. You don’t necessarily have to put up balloons or decorations while at it, just ensure you give yourself some credit when you’re deserving of it; or an occasion warrants it. Celebrate yourself, celebrate even the things you deem meaningless. And most importantly, encounter God in everyday moments.
It’s Another Year to Celebrate Life
Celebration is an essential element in our spiritual discipline. It’s something that God desires for us to practice. This is because it’s not His will for us to endure life. That’s why we see celebrations both commanded and practiced throughout the Scriptures.
Nehemiah 12:27 – At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres (NIV). John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (NIV). Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones(NIV).
The year is wrapping up, another year to celebrate life is coming. If you had little or no celebration this year, make the most of the coming year. No matter the curveball life will throw at you, choose to celebrate through it all.
A Prayer to Celebrate Life
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of life that you’ve graciously given to us all. I ask that you forgive us all for the times we ignored your great deeds in our lives this year. Forgive us for all the expressions of ingratitude, faithlessness, and doubts that we put up at different times.
Father, in the coming year, we humbly request that you grant us the grace to live joyfully; to celebrate both small and great victories. Change our hearts so we can stay thankful to you no matter the severity of next year’s challenges.
Precious Jesus, according to your word in Romans 8:38-39, we’re convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from your love. Therefore, we give you our word that we won’t cave in, in the face of stress or anxiety in the year 2022. Instead, we will choose to offer you sacrifices of worship and celebration all through the year.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
