Something To Celebrate

by John Grant
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“Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.� (Nahum 1:15)

For many ladies, birthdays are not necessarily something to look forward to and being a year older is something not always to be celebrated, especially when the first digit  rolls over to a higher number and most would prefer to not identify their age.

Well, it’s not that way around our house, as we remember twenty years ago when Beverley faced cancer and an uncertain survival prognosis. We would not wish our experience on our worst enemy, but we wouldn’t take a million dollars for the experience we had to grow in our family and in our faith. Thanks to good doctors, excellent care and most importantly a lot of prayer and the grace of God, she is still here.

So, we both love to celebrate her birthdays and last week was no exception, especially since it was her twentieth cancer free birthday. I tried to think of something special and memorable, so I booked a ride for the two of us in a 1931 antique bi-plane. This particular aircraft had an interesting history including being seized by the government for hauling illegal alcohol during prohibition.

We donned scarfs, goggles and heavy clothing as we climbed in the cockpit on a brisk and windy winter day. We did lazy eight’s and a few other mild acrobatic maneuvers and thought how blessed we were to be able to do it together. 

It was a memorable experience and a real celebration, but once on the ground I thought about all we have to be so thankful about. Every day is a gift and truly we are blessed. The Bible refers to celebration fifty-seven times. So, as you go about your schedule this week, remember that you don’t have to have a special occasion to celebrate.

Thank God for each day and each blessing and celebrate life to the fullest.  
(a thought on life from John Grant )

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John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney. He is an active writer and frequent speaker.  He can be reached by e-mail at: John.Grant@johngrant.net