Thou Art the King of Glory

I like the idea of celebration as a strengthening and sustaining work in the life of a Christian. It speaks to the true and innate need for joy in a life submerged in the presence of the Lord. Celebration and joy are a destined state of being for the lover of God and is meant for the enrichment of the celebrator as well as the celebrated.

I feel like in my current stage of life I have neglected it detrimentally and can honestly feel a lack in my daily life. As a student, it is hard to switch one’s mindset from a constant state of mundanity and task-oriented productivity and attune to the sense of peace and joy that the act of celebration rests within. But that switch in itself strengthens the soul to rise further into joy.

Celebration has had its seasons in my life. I remember having times of constant joy and gratitude and celebration over the smallest of things, I’d say from the age of 3 to 11. I think the complicated nature of life began to dampen my perspective slowly. Since then I haven’t engaged in celebration in quite the same way, to my own detriment in considering how it cultivates daily joy.

My parents have been integral in cultivating an environment of celebration in my life, especially in my childhood with countless birthday parties and holiday celebrations. In my experience, also, the mindset of a child is more attuned to appreciate the simplicity and joy of life and thus naturally more open to celebrate their small joys without shame or hesitation. I guess childlikeness is a virtue in more ways than one.

How have you cultivated celebration and joy in your life recently?