This past month has included several joyful celebrations for our family. Perhaps this is why Ecclesiastes 3:13 caught my attention while reading through my Bible plan this week: "Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.” The verse reminded me that celebration is not just an enjoyable part of life—it is a gift from God. He calls us not only to work faithfully, but also to take time to rejoice in what He has done.
One of our biggest celebrations was Hadley's graduation from Timberline High School. After thirteen years of hard work, it was a joy to celebrate all that God has accomplished in and through her. Also, we celebrated the close of another school year for our other children, Ellie's final year at Liberty Elementary before moving on to junior high, the end of sports seasons and other activities, the completion of Launch Pad and Life Groups for the summer, Brooks' birthday, my birthday, and just this past weekend, Taylor's belated sixteenth birthday trip to Silverwood (just her and me =-).
Each milestone represented more than a date on the calendar. It marked the end of a journey filled with hard work, sacrifices, highs, lows, prayers, commitments, and God's faithful provision along the way. Looking back over the twists and turns of each made reaching these milestones all the sweeter to celebrate!
As Taylor and I enjoyed one of our dozens of rides on our favorite attraction at Silverwood—a wooden roller coaster called Tremors—I found myself thanking God for this gift of celebration. The ride felt a little like life itself. There was anticipation before it began, people helping us along the way, exhilarating highs, steep drops, unexpected turns, dark tunnels, bright views, laughter, and an experience shared both with loved ones and strangers. And, of course, even though we ran and tried to fit in as many rides as we could, our time on the coaster eventually came to an end. As we stepped off, there was nothing left to accomplish—just gratitude for the experience and joy in having shared it together.
Life is much the same. God calls us to work diligently and faithfully, but He also invites us to rejoice in His goodness along the way. As Moses instructed God's people, "You will eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice with your household in everything you do, because the Lord your God has blessed you" (Deuteronomy 12:7). Whether we're graduating, finishing a season, marking a birthday or anniversary, or simply enjoying a day with friends or family, may we receive these moments with gratitude and, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, do all to the glory of God. Celebration is one of God's good gifts—a reminder to pause, give thanks, and rejoice in the One who brought us there.
By Katie Miller
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