Celebrations as an Essential Part of Life

As I sit at my desk I can hear the squeals of delight from the other side of the office door.  Just outside this tranquil room the many preparations for a child's birthday party are being made.  Balloons are blown up, streamers hung, cakes frosted, and on occasion, an over-excited child is being calmed and cuddled.  Today is Abby's daughter's birthday, and princess pink decorations have invaded every possible space.

Easily, the greatest moment of my day was witnessing the look on the birthday girl's face as she busted through the door after school into the transformed house.  She was clearly overwhelmed and her cheeks flushed bright red.  I was reminded, in that tiny moment, that these celebrations are an essential part of life.

There are seasons when it seems we do not have much to celebrate.  But there are other seasons, thankfully, that bring us a reprieve and give us cause to kick up our heels, throw back our heads and laugh our fullest laughs.  Today we celebrate the birth of a beautiful girl.  But we also celebrate the promise and possibilities that her life holds.  We celebrate the miracle of becoming a family and all that family means.  We rejoice that pink frosted cupcakes can bring such joy.  We rejoice simply because there is joy to be found.  Today we celebrate the necessity of celebrations.  We lift off the pressures of life and work, and we smile.