Celebrating Milestones

Celebrating Milestones

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

“Mom. Our neighbor was right, turning seven is THE BEST,” my son said. He continued excitedly, describing a school day consisting of cupcakes, classmates singing “Happy Birthday” on repeat, and being celebrated everywhere he turned.

Celebrated. As we chatted, I tucked that stray thought away so I could pull it out and ponder it later.

My son and husband have birthdays only three days apart, and it was at the surprise party for my husband’s milestone birthday that the theme surfaced again. My heart was filled to overflowing to see childhood friends and brand-new friends and friends from every circle of our lives gathered around the table, laughing as they gently teased my husband about his new decade. Celebrated.

It wasn’t presents and cake that made my son’s and my husband’s birthdays over-the-top, extra-fun occasions—it was the people in their lives who paused in their daily routines to recognize and celebrate them. Life is far too short not to celebrate the good things, the accomplishments, the successes of those around us. We need cheerleaders, encouragers, influencers, and nudgers in our lives who will mourn with us, spur us on, and gently shove us into whatever new adventure we are contemplating. We need people who will celebrate with us.

God knew this, knows this. Scripture is replete with calls for believers to gather in community and unity, to ride to one another’s rescue, to do life together. The first-century church is described as family, as parts of the same body, as being adopted into joint heirship with Jesus. It is a model for living that is God-breathed. We are called to stop and rejoice in the good—both in our lives and in the lives of others. God gave you the gift of this day, of milestones, of accomplishments—let’s pause to rejoice and celebrate.

Let’s not get so busy getting things done that we forget to celebrate loved ones and friends.

— Julie

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Consider whom you can celebrate. Take a moment to write a note, start planning a party, or take that person out for an ice-cream cone.