Celebration

A few weeks ago when I returned from one of my longer trips away from home my kids wanted to surprise me with a party. They spent time making signs (with a little help from my wife) welcoming me home. I was glad to be home, and it was nice to see how excited they were to watch me take in all that they had done for my return.

My wife recently spent a few days away from us with some of the friends she made while in college. My wife had barely walked out the door when the kids started asking if we could have a surprise for her when she returned home. They kids wanted to decorate our daughters room like a cave (we have recently gone to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, and I think that was still on their minds) with bats and a few leopards. I tried to focus their energy and enthusiasm into something that might make Mom feel more special when she got home. Unfortunately she returned before we had a chance to finish our plans.

This last weekend our Church had a get together to show the staff how much we appreciate all they do as we minister together in our church and to our community. I was a little worried about a small turn out for our get together. I was amazed at the number of people that showed up and the amount of cards of appreciation and food that was brought to celebrate and honor our staff.
We like to be honored. We like for others to tell us and show us that we have done a good job or that we have been missed. I think that we need to be celebrated from time to time.

But I am beginning to think just as much as we need to be celebrated, we need to celebrate others. For our kids it was not just that mom and dad were coming home, but there was a buildup of excitement as they waited for our return. I think those that attended our staff appreciation get together were just as excited as the staff to be there and to enjoy the homemade ice cream and other goodies that were brought.
When is the last time you took the time to show someone else how you feel about them. When is the last time you made a phone call, sent a text message or an e-mail, or wrote a note to someone just to tell them you hope they are having a great day? When we take the time to show others how much they mean to us, we begin to see how truly blessed we are.

Take some time today and celebrate someone. Can you allow the excitement to build as you peek out your window waiting for your neighbor to find the card or baked goodies you left for them… Can you allow the excitement to build as you wait for a phone call or an e-mail letting you know you didn’t have to do that, but it means so much… Can you allow the excitement to build around you as you see how truly blessed you are by your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers?