We don't just have to wait until momentus occasions to celebrate.

Nehemiah 12:27-47

Reference:  v.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 Bible)

Explore:  To stop and celebrate is an important part of any process.  I'm not just saying this because I love good food and great people spending time together!  I do think that it's great to look back over past successes and celebrate them.  The Israelites had come a long way since being exiles in Babylon.  Here they are, their wall rebuilt, their faith reconfirmed and the new season of their people was well on it's way. To stop and take some time in dedication and celebration was an important step in ushering in the new stage of life.

Application:  Sometimes we can be so driven in pushing forward that we forget to stop and celebrate what has been.  As people get older they even become hesitant to celebrate birthdays and don't acknowledge the previous year of their life - although I think this may be a reluctance to embrace being one year older!  But we don't just have to wait until momentus occasions to celebrate.  Every time something significant happens we can take some time to celebrate.  To be honest, every day holds a moment worth celebrating.  Often before I go to sleep I will go through my day in my head and just thank God for moments that may have seemed insignificant to someone else but has brought a moment of celebration for me. Let's not leave celebration out of our lives.  Let's be thankful for each and every day. 

Prayer:  Lord, you are a God of praise and thanksgiving and we want to give you all the praise you deserve.  Thank you for giving us this day.  May we celebrate the life you have given to us.  Amen.

What is something you can celebrate in your life at the moment?

Linda Bailey is currently away.  I hope you enjoyed reading one of her favourite REAP articles from 2009 so far.