Saturday, March 17, 2012

Celebrate



CELEBRATE! 


            Thanksgiving has just past and it has set me to ponder how we celebrate in our lives. I find it sad that the frequency and fervency of our celebrations has declined and continues to decline in our busy and hectic lives.
            I think many factors have caused this. Families simply aren’t as large as they used to be and job availability has put hundreds, even thousands of miles between family members.
            I also sense that our ability and willingness to celebrate is also in decline. The rush and pressure of our lives are easily to blame but I think we need to renew our diligence in discovering time and new ways to celebrate.
            One of my favorite stories from my parents is about box socials. Box socials were get-togethers that involved the auctioning off of boxed lunches that were prepared by the women. The successful bidder would share the meal with the one who prepared it. Often, a potential sweetheart might let her man of choice know just how she had decorated the box that she had prepared so he would know which one to bid on. How romantic!
            Here’s a crazy thought for you to consider: what if you began a practice of romancing YOURSELF? What about taking the time to ask yourself what it is you truly need and then set about filling a ‘box’ of things that will nurture and sustain you?
Try pausing mid-day for a soothing cup of tea, celebrating the fact that you’ve made it through your morning. What about reading a short inspirational piece at bedtime to quiet your mind and nurture your hope that tomorrow can be a better day?
            It all begins with a sense of gratitude. Yes, gratitude can restore your sense of celebration! And gratitude always takes what you have and turns it into more. Here’s a perfect example: the gift of a zucchini from a neighbor’s garden turned into a wonderful hour of baking for me and later it turned into much delight for my family – the muffins were delicious!
            With autumn in our midst we can easily find ways to celebrate. Thanksgiving is what first comes to mind but how about that dreadful chore of raking up all of those leaves?  Instead of grumbling, can you approach the task by celebrating the fact that just like the trees can shed their leaves, you too can shed your burdens and troubles and accept a moment of peace?
            Here’s another crazy thought: Remember how, as a child, you would rake up a huge pile of leaves and then jump into the middle of it, rolling with giggles of delight? Can you remember how you used to bury yourself at the bottom of the pile? Do it again! Your neighbors will think you have lost it, but your spirit will soar!
            The tiniest of things can be cause for celebration! I dare you, dear reader, CELEBRATE!
Celebrating summer with a BBQ and a homemande blueberry crisp!

My grandson, Gage, celebrating his 2nd birthday with a monkey cake!
Originally published in the October 8, 2010 issue of the WRFP.

No comments:

Post a Comment