Celebrate good times!

Birthdays are funny things.

Some people go to great lengths to celebrate, while others pray the day slips by without anyone knowing.  At my age, I still think birthdays are a great excuse for a party!  But I will say, most years at some point during the pomp and circumstance, I get a bit nostalgic.  I think back upon what has happened the year before: the good, the bad and the ugly.  That often leads me to thinking about what I wish would have happened or what I wish I could pretend didn't happen.  I think about who I am and who I was and whether or not the change in those two is for the better.  It's hard for me to stay present with the fun, excitement and celebrations on my birthday without drifting off to what my life was or what it will be.

This year was different. 

 

I saw glimpses of glory all week.

I'm not living in a bubble.
There is so much pain and injustice and confusion polluting the world and poisoning the hearts of those I hold dear.  I have just as many unanswered questions as I did a year ago.  We all have aches that seem to run from an endless well.   My life is far from perfect.  

And yet....

I saw glimpses of glory...
As my sister and friend showed up on my doorstep in the morning before work with my favorite coffee shop treat and coffee just the way I like it.
            I am known.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As my phone rang, and rang, and beeped.....a lot.  My Facebook page blew up with people taking a moment out of their busy lives, to remember and celebrate me.
            I matter.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As I sat silently alone listening to the creek, breathing in the crisp pre-fall air, surrounded by towering pine trees. 
            I am beloved.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As I opened the mailbox to find homemade, decorated birthday cookies from my mom.
            I am not forgotten.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As I heard my 3 year old niece's sweet voice recite the memory verse we'd been practicing. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."   And as I heard the squeals and chatter of my nieces as they opened their back to school packages from Aunt Jessie and told me all the things they loved and made them feel special.
            I have a purpose.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As I sat around a table of friends who made me and my birthday celebration a priority that night.  Where the laughter was great and the fellowship was greater.
            I am loved.

I saw glimpses of glory...
As I sat in His presence.  I dreamed and listened, and journaled and dreamed bigger.
            I am chosen.

I could go on. 

Little moments of glory splattering light into a dark world.

You know something?  As a child of God, this is all true of you, too.

You are known.

You matter.

You are beloved.

You are not forgotten.

You have a purpose.

You are loved.

You are chosen.

Stop for a minute and let that sink in.
Read it again.

And when you start sharpening your eyes to see those glimpses of glory throughout your day, CELEBRATE!  Stay present in that moment and let that truth seep in until you're soaking in joy.

Relish in the understanding that what we can only see in part today, we will one day see fully.  What we see now is but a reflection in the mirror.  One day we will see face to face!  Celebrate good times!

Cause there will always be something to worry about, something that will try to steal your joy and snuff out your peace.  There will be plenty of time for tears and heartache.

But that can wait. 

For this moment, LET'S CELEBRATE!