Celebrate

Over the next few months, holiday festivities will commence with the sounds and smells of celebration. Get ready; it’s party time. I remember my first-holiday party without my parents, although I did need them to drop me off because I was in the sixth grade. The party hosts were my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor, and her husband, who owned a local print and office supply store in Southern California, where I grew up. Can you believe I remember all that, and it’s been over 40 years ago? Sometimes, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but I remember my first holiday dinner party without my parents. Some memories stay with us, for better or worse. Hopefully, you can recall fond memories, whether from adolescence or adulthood. Regardless, it is good to remember the blessings and be thankful to have the mental capacity to do so!

Treasuring memories in our heart can be a blessing to you and others (Luke 2:19). The psalmist remembers the wondrous works of the Lord (Psalm 77:11-14), and the apostle Paul writes about his remembrance of the prayer and gospel partners in Philippi (Philippians 1:3-5). When King David brought the ark of God back to Jerusalem, there was a celebration of singing, dancing, and delicacies to share with all his people (2 Samuel 6:12-19). Although there was ridiculing from David's wife Michal for his unkinglike display, he countered by recalling how the Lord blessed his life (vv. 20-22). Remember God's goodness and celebrate His blessings.