Ways to Celebrate & Live Joy

·       Thank God out loud

·       Thank someone else

·       Smile

·       Write down something you are thankful for…or many things

·       Forgive…again.

·       Receive forgiveness

·       Celebrate someone else (whether or not it is their birthday), unashamedly

·       Surprise someone

·       Watch squirrels play

·       Talk to a stranger in the store…engage the world around you

·       Give a gift

·       Receive a compliment

·       Dance to a song. For real. Try it. Close your blinds if you need to.

·       Make a meal for someone

Referring to things such as these Richard Foster writes “Only those who are insecure about their own maturity will fear such a delightful form of celebration.” I know well that not all seasons are seasons for celebration, but in all things we are called to joy (Philippians 4:4). And these are not “cheesy” or useless things to practice. Give your heart over to joy, as difficult as that may be at times…I know. It is not irresponsible or unseeing, it is the very heart of God. And trust that He knows your circumstances, even more intricately than you yourself. Let’s resist the culture of complaint within which we live and celebrate life… not for fuzzy, feel-good Hallmark movie ending feelings... but because God lives! And He alone offers all the fullness of life! (John 10:10).

And just in case you need a song to close your blinds to ;-) Here you go…fling those arms open wide…at least once…