Tip of My Iceberg

The cactus talks.

Our kids bought this for us to share with the littles, and yet it’s become a form of entertainment for young and old alike.

This grinning cactus has several modes. It repeats whatever is said to it in a voice that sounds like a Munchkin from the “Wizard of Oz”. High and squeaky, it brings a smile to all who hear it. It also has a repertoire of a dozen or so songs–the favorite being “Happy Birthday”.

Nolan just turned two, and he’d been talking about his birthday for over a week. He knew how old he was, and he was looking forward to everyone singing to him.

Balloons were up, his mom decorated a cake to look like the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh characters mingling around the icing. When asked whose birthday we were celebrating, he grinned and yelled, “Nolan’s birthday!”

Celebrations don’t get any better than that.

Someone handed him the singing cactus and set it to the birthday song. With wide eyes, a huge grin, and squeals and screams of delight, he danced around the room, insisting everyone play the song again.

And again.

He never tired of dancing. He embraced his celebration with a full heart and great joy.

How often do we feel celebrated?

We have birthdays and other days of recognition that are part of this, but do we welcome and accept others when they choose to honor us, acknowledging that we’re worthy of being known and remembered with joy?

I’ve had conversations with several about the cost of the lack of affirmation in our culture. Hearing from others–without prodding–that we’re valuable is a gift we can give each other that doesn’t cost a thing.

Verbal affirmation is a lost art, yet each of us needs it to help us evaluate how we’re doing. We typically get enough negative feedback, but positive words spur us on to do better.

God wants us to know how much He knows and delights in who we are. How He values us as His unique creations.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take DELIGHT in you with gladness. With His love, He will CALM ALL your fears. He will REJOICE over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

Children at times are the object of our delight. Great friendships are those we can rejoice in. But how often does anyone feel the consistency and magnitude of Someone so powerful who sees and celebrates us?

Nolan loved to have the birthday song sung to him. He enjoyed the celebration.

God sings a special song that touches our hearts with lyrics that lets us know He cherishes us.

Wouldn’t you love to be celebrated just for being you?