Since I have begun writing this 31-day series on celebrations, we have celebrated three birthdays, an elderly aunt has passed away, another beloved aunt has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, a family member has had some financial reverses, my dad has been afflicted with a flare up of sciatica, and on Sunday evening our brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly.
And I am writing about celebration?
Hmmm...did I know what was coming when I told you that this series would not be all about happy-happy-happy?
Not at all.
But do I still believe that "happy" is not the focus of celebration?
I really do.
cel·e·brate /ˈseləˌbrāt/
(v.) to mark a notable occasion with gratitude and rejoicing
(synonyms: commemorate, observe, mark, keep, honor, memorialize)
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We commemorate the significance of a life.
We allow our hearts to be grateful for His gifts. All of them.
We pray for those who are struggling, hurting, grieving.
We pray that His will be done. We pray that those who don't know Him are drawn to Him, and that those who do know Him are drawn nearer.
We celebrate His mercy and His goodness in our lives.
Sorry for your losses and trouble. Sending prayers to you, Cheryl, and your family. xo
ReplyDeleteOh Cheryl, that took a rough turn there. I'm so sorry to learn about your brother-in-law and an aunt and health issues and financial upsets. Life is messy. We all need to honor the special people in our lives and the special days and most of all The Father Who loves us and will see us through. (I hope that your dad has a recliner where he can get the pressure off that sciatic nerve. A gel ice bag will be helpful, too.) Love to you all and comfort...
ReplyDeleteSo many sorrows for your family--Thinking of you and hope your burdens are lighter today. xoxo ♥
ReplyDeleteWow, we just don't know what a day will hold. But we have confidence knowing Who holds each day ... sorry about the losses and the sadness ... thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear so many difficulties have beset you and those you love, but I love your attitude. No matter what comes our way we have every reason to Rejoice and Be Glad, don't we? I pray the Lord comforts and provides in every way needed for you and your family and I appreciate the way you share your sweet spirit here. It's encouraging.
ReplyDeleteDarling friend,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your brother in law. I knew about the rest, except maybe the financial reverses. Life is hard and messy. In the midst I am thankful we can say "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
Deanna
So sorry to hear of your brother-in-laws passing. We will be keeping you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteI have been bogged down in stuff around here and haven't commented much. But I love your series, mostly because I love the spirit of the one behind it. I am sorry for your troubles, it seems like they like to come in waves. The Lord makes a lot of room for celebration and commemoration and remembrance in the Bible, and it is right for us to do the same. I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your losses, Cheryl! I will be praying for comfort and healing for all!
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts of how to celebrate through life situations, and heart ache is very comforting.
Yes! "thus far the Lord has helped us",