Cause for Celebration

If I asked everybody what they celebrate, many of the first responses might include birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings. Those are all wonderful things to celebrate, and I hope you enjoy them. For some who have read the books, or attended the conferences, you may respond with additional thoughts on living a life that celebrates many things, ranging from the smallest to grandiose.

For some, you are missing someone special, and your celebrations of that person might not be the same as they once were. But you continue. A celebration is a time to honor someone, whether living or gone.

I had a time of celebration this week that I never asked for, it was not on my bucket list. It was time for my 2-year Oncologist follow-up visit. While I love and appreciate my doctor, and look forward to seeing him, part of me wishes I'd never met him. Then again, I'm also thrilled I did because he is a delightful man and a literal life-saver...mine.

After the visit, I found myself driving by a local chocolate shop when I impulsively decided to take two right turns, landing me in their parking lot, squarely in front of the double doors where I knew the giant chocolate fountain was waiting just inside.

I wanted something yummy to ring out the joy of a clean bill of health. I enthusiastically shared with the lady behind the counter why I was treating myself, and why it was so important for me to splurge and find the right tastes to savor. Another customer was shopping for Easter candy and was as indecisive as I was. While we pondered and inquired about the flavors, we both were given samples of the bunny chocolates, as some of the ears had broken off. Yum!

With the bunny ear samples and a raspberry cream sample in my tummy, I carried my precious white paper bag containing three tiny chocolates to the car, crinkling the top back and forth, releasing the rich aroma of cocoa. The bag was placed with care in the seat, wedged between my library book and purse so there was no risk of falling and spilling out in case of an unexpected quick stop in traffic.

Of course, I couldn't simply eat it out of the bag, it needed a presentation worthy of celebration. I thanked God for the good report, the friends He placed in my life who had carried my apprehension before the visit, and the friends I shared my joy with afterward. 

Then I'd sneak one little piece and go outside to enjoy the view while nibbling this yummy chocolate square, watching it melt in my fingertips.

The guilt tried to creep in for spending the money, but I brushed it away like an annoying mosquito and licked the milky cocoa from my index finger and thumb while trying to decide which flavor I would enjoy next. I had already consumed the toffee and had a peanut butter fudge and an almond cluster waiting for later celebrations.

I was visiting a place with a great view, and peaceful water was flowing from east to west. The birds were sounding their calls to one another as they drifted by, content with their progress from one end of the lake to the other, and back again. This serene setting allowed my mind to rest from the chaos of my to-do list, and let the deeper thoughts reveal themselves.

This is when it hit me. Do we appreciate the celebrations in our lives? Some of us find little things and celebrate often while others struggle to celebrate one or two annual events. Some don't believe they are worth celebrating and wrestle with their own birthdays. I want to savor the celebrations more and remember them longer. I don't want to celebrate and forget. I want them to mean more than they often do.

Most people don't care that I had a cancer-free announcement from the doctor. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to think people who know me are glad I'm not sick or dead. But, my health isn't a vital part of their life. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not something we tend to think of. We're aware when a friend is ill but we don't necessarily pay attention to when things are good.

This annual celebration is bittersweet, so I often hide it. Too many people struggle with cancer, treatments, or the loss of someone they love to this horrible disease. Surviving can bring guilt, which can dampen the celebration. That's another story entirely; one I didn't know would continue, and will likely be there for my lifetime. More on that in a future post.

But, we're celebrating here! Let there be streamers, chocolate, steaks, loud music, cake, dancing, pie, etc. You choose whether you celebrate with friends and family, or if it's reserved just for you. Whatever makes you smile, use it to celebrate with. Even those little things. If they matter to you, they are worth celebrating. If they matter to you, they should matter to the people who genuinely love you. Let them celebrate with you. Let them celebrate YOU.

One More Thing...

Go find something to celebrate this week! I'd love for you to come back and tell us what you discovered.

Take care, and remember, I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn

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BRAVE has been a buzzword for several years. I’ve listened to speakers and read books about becoming braver but it’s not working. At least, I don’t think it is. I’ve been taking other steps to improve myself as I ride this moving sidewalk we call life, but I’m not sure I’m building any bravery habits.

At least a year ago, I borrowed a book from the library about being brave. It had a catchy title and was written by someone I enjoyed when I heard them speak, so I thought this might be a different approach worth trying.

100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs is written in small doses so I hoped I could do this. I texted a friend who is diligent about striving to be the best person he can be so someone out there would know I was trying this. I made it to day eight.

At my library, we can renew a book fifty times before it must be turned in and checked out again. I chose to do that this week, and my new goal is to read all 100 days…even if it takes me another 365 to do it.

The Bible has numerous references telling us to not be afraid. I think conquering fear plays a big role in being brave. But maybe bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway. Yep…I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that quote a few dozen times before and you probably have, too.

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

Living a brave life can come in so many forms and hits us each differently. For many of us, it’s an act of bravery to believe who God says we are. This is one area I’ve been working on. This can be especially true if you don’t hear that belief coming from people around you. I’m sorry if you don’t. I know God believes in you, and most people are so busy they don’t take time to look for others to believe in. Most of us struggle with being brave or feeling worthy. Don’t take it personally if nobody is telling you, “You’ve got this.” God knows you do. Deep down, I think you might believe it also.

I know we each have a purpose we are uniquely called out to live, and it requires us to sometimes be braver than we want to be in order to fulfill that. I’m not saying every moment of our lives is a calling, but yet – I kind of am. Some callings and purposes are for a short season while others may be a part of your entire life.

When I took the church job I had, it was certainly a calling for me. Years later, I sensed that being lifted but I could see the root of my calling was to support others and I found new ways to do that.

Sometimes people will interrupt your calling, leaving you to question if you have a purpose. This is a scary place to be. I know this one from personal experience and I had to use every ounce of my faith to believe that man does not determine my calling and purpose; God does.

It’s easy to confuse your activities with your calling. You may have opened a school where you teach adults from other countries to speak English. You think that’s your calling. Then the school closes due to unforeseen circumstances, and you wake up in bed each day, depressed, believing your purpose has been stripped away. You'd be wrong.

I want to challenge you to look beyond the actions, to God’s heart for you. Was it really your calling to open that school, or was it to help people who feel like outsiders believe they belong and are valued equally? Hmmm…

God will never limit your purpose, He has some big ideas for you. We limit ourselves sometimes, don’t we? Others put limiting beliefs on us if we let them. Break free from the lies we hear, externally and internally, and let’s learn how to be brave together.

One More Thing...

What is your purpose, or calling? Do you need someone to believe in you?

Take care, and I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn

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