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1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Today, I attended a special promotion of one of our grandkids. She was moving on from her Pre-K class. As well, my wife was celebrating the completion of her school’s kindergarten. In each of these events parents, grandparents, and other relatives showed up to celebrate with gifts, affirmation, and heart felt joy of an accomplishment. Kristi, as a teacher, was also celebrated by parents with gifts of love and appreciation for her investing time into their kids lives. Our granddaughter was beaming as were all the kids as they received hugs, little presents, and kind words. It was fun. I felt blessed just watching it all.
The Bible encourages us to celebrate others often.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Hebrews 12:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
We can bless others with appreciation, kind words, affirmations, and maybe even a fun gift. I think the best thing my granddaughter loved was bubble gum tape. It brings joy, smiles, and more.
Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Now sure we have many planned celebrations: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, new homes, new jobs, new kids. These are great times to bless others. We as a church are having our Annual Celebration this Sunday, June 12th. It’s a time to enjoy time together and thank God for another year of togetherness and all He has done in and through our church. We have seen many come to faith, grow in faith, saved marriages, lives enhanced, and we have learned how to better live life God’s way. Even through these years of pandemic!! Even as many have moved away, there are yet more now attending.
So, yes, planned celebration events are great, but what would happen if we did some spontaneous celebrations? Get a card and some bubble gum tape or whatever, and celebrate your spouse, a friend, a neighbor, a city employee, a volunteer, or a family member. You could make their day. And I know you would feel great! So yes, why not celebrate!?!
Church can be a good place to find someone to spontaneously celebrate. If you do not already have a church to attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to celebrate others along with you,
Mike McKay
