Writer Shakira explains why we need to stop waiting for a “traditional milestone” to break out the Shloer and cheese straws.
As a fun loving Christian in her early 30s, I am constantly being invited to weddings and baby showers and the odd 30th birthday party extravaganza. But after 30, things definitely quiet down. The older you get the fewer birthday cards you receive, and the presents seem to go to small children… and if you don’t have a child… well you might get a voice note or text.
But I have always thought… as Christians, why do we seem to only celebrate “traditional life stages”? Where’s the Spirit-led creativity? What I mean is, let’s have the same enthusiasm when someone has a victory in their purity. Imagine having a “purity party”?! Or what about the person who has always dreamed of starting their own business but was too afraid to take the leap? When they choose to pursue their passion, let’s have a “faith fiesta”!
Let’s have the same enthusiasm when someone has a victory in their purity. Imagine having a “purity party”?!
Not every celebration has to have an acronym, I am just having fun with it. But let’s love the things God loves, his son came so that we could live life to the full (John 10:10). What does God love? Obedience (Psalm 119: 1-3), loving one another (John 13:34-35), purity (1 Corinthians 6: 13), intimacy in our relationship with him, steps of faith (Hebrews 11:6), hospitality (Hebrews 13:2), the list goes on.
I remember once going out for dinner to celebrate “peace”. I had just gone through a breakup, and that relationship was one that brought me a whole lot of stress. So when we broke up, while praying I truly surrendered control to God - I rejoiced! I went out to a lovely restaurant and celebrated “peace that transcends all understanding” with good food and live music. I had hoped our relationship would work out, I had hoped it was just a bumpy phase, but God really did give me peace - even without immediate answers to my questions. Peace is worth celebrating!
I strongly believe that celebrations ignited by spiritual growth are even more brilliant than the traditional ones!
It might feel a little strange at first, but embrace it, look for opportunities in your life and the lives of those around you to celebrate. Do you often struggle with gossip? But this month you haven’t given in to this temptation? Sounds like a celebration moment. Do you struggle with selfishness? But recently you have offered to babysit despite not loving being around kids? Yep you guessed it, time to celebrate!
As Christians it is time to recognise that the more we become like Jesus, the more there is to celebrate, and I strongly believe that celebrations ignited by spiritual growth are even more brilliant than the traditional ones! Cheers to that!
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