How to Celebrate this July for the Glory of God
Summer seems to be moving forward at a fast pace. We will soon enter July and celebrate our nation with hot dogs and fireworks. I find July celebrations are some of my favorite parts of summer.
Celebrate with Fireworks
When we first moved to Ontario, Oregon, we had low expectations for the town’s annual firework display. We previously watched fireworks in Salt Lake City where the fireworks were set off in time to music. Our family camped out at a local park with a multitude of other people, turned our radio to the appropriate station, and enjoyed the show. We confidently believed Ontario wouldn’t compete with what we were accustomed to.
However, Ontario fireworks are literally the bomb! First of all, they set off these fire-blazing columns of I don’t know what. They are so incredible you can feel the heat! Then they set off something that has the biggest BOOM! I have ever heard. This July, I get to enjoy Ontario fireworks one last time and I can hardly wait.
Different Kinds of Celebration
The Ontario fireworks remind me celebrations are good. I don’t generally need anyone to remind me to celebrate. I am a fan of celebrating almost anything. For example, if I noticed it was sunny today, we would celebrate with ice cream. Or perhaps your hair looked especially pretty, then we would do lunch. I’ll even celebrate the fact I finished all the laundry and treat myself to a fancy foo-foo coffee drink.
When my sweet Pastor husband and I flew to Missouri for the Missouri District Church of the Nazarene district assembly, we experienced several unique celebrations. The members of the assembly celebrated my sweet Pastor husband by praying over him and thanking God for his life and willingness to minister with them. In addition, new friends celebrated us at lunch and blessed us with stories about themselves, their churches, and their district campground.
The Hotel Housekeeper and Me
I also fondly remember a simple celebration that happened in the elevator. My sweet Pastor husband and I went to breakfast. After we finished eating, we headed back to our hotel room to wait as the District Assembly proceeded with the election process. As we entered the elevator, a cheerful hotel housekeeper greeted us.
She chatted with us, and I felt drawn to her exuberant sunny disposition. I was feeling anxious, and her happy mood calmed my fears. Then, she enthusiastically complimented me on my dress and said I was beautiful. She celebrated me and I was overwhelmed.
That precious girl will never know she provided exactly what my spirit needed in that moment. Earlier, I had second-guessed my choice to bring the dress I wore. I feared I looked old and dumpy. I expressed my gratitude to the happy hotel housekeeper, then stepped out of the elevator with a smile on my face and a dance in my step.
As I walked back to our hotel room, I silently expressed my thanks to God for sending me a boost of encouragement. I knew my encounter with the hotel housekeeper was no accident. God in His love and grace knew I needed a bit of celebration in that moment.
Celebrate the People in Your Life
This week we will all enjoy some sort of celebration. For instance, you may host a bar-b-q for family and friends. Or perhaps you will buy fireworks for your children and set them off in the street. You may be like us and go enjoy your local community’s fireworks. However, we can also celebrate the people in our lives.
“Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love.”
Hebrews 10:24, TPT
Every time we compliment someone, encourage someone, or cheer someone on, we celebrate the wonder of who he is. We express our appreciation for the image of God we see in that person. It’s as if we placed a crown or party hat on her head and declared her the Party Princess.
Who Can You Celebrate?
Can you think of a better way to celebrate summer than celebrating those around you? Consider who you can celebrate. Perhaps you have a friend that is going through a tough season. Maybe you were unable to visit your family who live in another city or state, and they are disappointed. Do you have a neighbor who lives alone and doesn’t get out much?
How Can you Celebrate?
Now decide how best to celebrate. You can mail a card or package created specifically for your chosen person. Surprise someone with flowers, balloons, or freshly made cookies. Mow someone’s lawn and leave a flowering plant on his or her porch. Invite a large group to your home for games and ice cream. Be brave and compliment your barista, the grocery store clerk, or someone you pass on the street. Text a prayer to someone from your church who needs to know she is not alone.
I believe there is no wrong way to celebrate someone. We can celebrate simply or lavishly, quietly or loudly, quickly or with sustained energy. We must set our intentions to just do it. Let’s make this July a month of continual celebration, all for the good of others and the glory of God.
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