Celebrate Today!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

I love to celebrate! Birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, graduations, weddings, holidays!! The balloons, the presents, the food, the laughter, the smiles!!! Good times! Good fun!

Do you know that we're supposed to celebrate every day? Really!! That's what this verse tells us to do: "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS." Notice it didn't say only when there's no trouble in our life, or when we're not in pain, or when we feel like it. It says ALWAYS! If we waited to celebrate on the days when everything is perfect...we'd never celebrate or be happy. There is never a perfect day in this world. But God is perfect; His Son is perfect. He gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate every single day if we just open our eyes: a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a child's laughter, a phone call or email from a friend, a smile from a stranger, a hug, a great sale at the mall, an encouraging word...so many things. Even in sorrow and grieving we can find reasons to celebrate. I've noticed more and more that those left behind after a loved one dies want to celebrate the life of the one who is gone, not mourn their death. What a way to remember that loved one!!

It's the small things that we should celebrate every day. The little moments that God gives us. Every moment we're alive is a gift from God. And the greatest gift He has given to us is His Son. If you need something big to celebrate today, well, I'd say that should fit the bill! Jesus deserves to be celebrated every day! He deserves our praise and our gratitude. He is bigger than our troubles; He is bigger than our pain; He is bigger than our sorrow; He is bigger than our fears. Praise God for that!!

Today is a gift to you from our Heavenly Father. Celebrate it!! And, as you do, share that joy with others around you. Put a smile on your face, be kind and encouraging, be generous with your praise. Let them see the joy and peace that knowing Jesus brings to you. Who knows the difference you may make in someone else's life just by celebrating your own!!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Amazing God, I celebrate my life today. I celebrate Your Son and the gift of salvation He made available to me. Open my eyes to the wonders you surround me with each day. May I share the celebration of Your gifts with others through kindness, encouragement and praise. All honor and glory belong to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.