Practicing Celebration

We are not strangers to competition. We consume talent competitions in the form of reality television on a regular basis. We craft our schedules around sporting events. We gather for game nights that quickly devolve into bitter rivalries.

Maybe it’s true that a little competition never hurt anyone, but is it possible that we’ve taken this a little too much to heart? Is it possible that we’ve allowed competition to be the driving force behind most of our decisions, habits, and interactions? And if the answer is yes, what effect is this having on us – our families, our schedules, our finances, our souls?

In a culture that is steeped in competition, it can seem impossible to interrupt this pattern and instead adopt a spirit of grace that allows us to honor the successes, gains, and joys of others without automatically jumping to achieve the same, or better, for ourselves. This is the invitation of celebration, to joyfully observe the good without straining and striving to achieve, acquire, and consume more.

This week, we challenge you to take time to celebrate with some of the practices blow:

Gratitude – Gratitude seems to be a buzzword these days, popping up everywhere from talk shows to scientific research. Gratitude is no longer reserved for the Thanksgiving season, but instead is being commonly practiced in creative ways all year long – and for good reason! Recent studies have linked regular expressions of gratitude to better sleep, stronger social connections, and overall higher emotional wellness. With all these added benefits, it’s no wonder gratitude is making a comeback! Consider celebrating someone this week, perhaps a spouse, friend, or coworker, by taking time to send them a message of gratitude (a card, email, or phone call will do), telling them what you appreciate about them and your relationship.

Questions for reflection:

• What things encourage you to express your gratefulness (worship, time spent with loved ones, giving and receiving gifts, etc)?
• How has someone else’s expression of gratitude affected your own view of what matters most in life?

Small Victories – It can be easy in the busyness of life to brush over the small events and accomplishments that are truly worthy of celebration. A neighbor’s clean bill of health, a child’s success on a test, a friend’s new job – all things that deserve to be celebrated and recognized. Consider finding something small to celebrate this week, perhaps with a special dinner or token of congratulations. Whatever it is, be sure to take time to share in the joy of another.

Questions for reflection:

• What emotions arise in you when you receive someone else’s good news?
• Identify someone you know that truly celebrates life – what attracts you to them?

Blessing Exercise – It’s easy to celebrate with people we love, but what about honoring the joy of people we don’t know, or maybe don’t even like? Our charge to love and celebrate others is not limited to those we enjoy, but to all people. Praying goodwill for the difficult people in our lives may not always come naturally, but by practicing this discipline we begin to develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others – both of which can go a long way as we seek to join God in the healing of our world. Try praying this prayer for someone who has recently frustrated or disappointed you:
May they experience God’s love.
May they experience God’s rest.
May they experience God’s peace.

You can follow along with a guided blessing exercise here.

• Remember a time when someone you didn’t know helped or celebrated you in some way – what was your response?
• What is your natural response to the idea of celebrating someone that you don’t get along with?