Tip of My Iceberg

I’m not going to lie–I’m not a big fan of Halloween.  Horror isn’t fun.  I have that kind of imagination that remembers the scary stuff way too easily.  And visually.  So the frightening costumes, excessive amounts of blood, cut off heads, dismembered limbs and the like don’t float my boat.  And the fact that the degree of spending to decorate for Halloween has now surpassed that which is done for Christmas in some areas is more than a little mind boggling.

But with all that being said, with so much preparation and planning and partying going on, it is quite obvious that people feel an incredible need to celebrate.  To observe an occasion with appropriate ceremony.  Possibly to forget for a moment the heavier expectations of life and have fun.  Join with others to share a moment of joy and hilarity that could lift everyone’s spirits.  To be mindful of playing.

I think we struggle with celebrating.  Oh, the big holidays are easy to celebrate.  Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving–these are not only historical remembrances but truly life-enriching celebrations.  And when retail gets involved, everyone feels the “need” to celebrate at these times of the year.  With a lot of hoopla we may not be predisposed

But I’m talking about celebrating daily life.  Taking celebration a step towards becoming a habit of enjoying the little things of life.  Embracing a new season.  Rewarding a job well done.  Welcoming someone home.  Welcoming neighbors.  Encouraging new interests.  Savoring traditions.  All are a chance to enjoy others in a way that’s fun and meaningful.  And an opportunity for us to practice gratitude.  Celebration is an experience in gratitude.

My grandson Teagan is almost six, and I don’t know of anyone who is more thrilled with day to day living.  He gets excited about a peanut butter and honey sandwich.  He sings everywhere he goes.  And he he has an imagination that never quits.

I caught him the other day as he stood on a bench in our family room, dancing his heart out as if he were a member of the cast of River Dance.  He was stomping up and down, moving his feet with a rapidity that was impressive.  His tongue stuck out of the side of his mouth, and yet he was grinning.  Dancing to the music.  Celebrating being able to move, to dance, to sing, to live.  And in that moment, I envied his genuine joy just in being, in moving.  His sweet focus on the glory of the moment.

I want to learn to celebrate more readily, to be grateful for the moments that abound in each day that are gifts, small and glorious.  I want to not be so concerned about what I think other people are thinking and just be thankful that I have another day to interact with people, to care about those important to me.  To truly enjoy the moment.

God celebrates me.  He celebrates each of us because He made us with great love and intention.  He knows me like no other.  And I matter to Him.  “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17.

Don’t be afraid to dance to the music.  It’s His music.  And it’s music worth dancing to.