If we listen, we hear the sounds of celebration all around us. Proud parents rejoice at the first cry of their newborn baby, a toddler’s first word, their child riding a bike for the first time, a child scoring a goal or getting an A, or the same child graduating or getting married. How about the joyous cheer when a favorite team wins a big game? Then there is the shout when a friend or family member returns after a long time away. Routine celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays and holidays bring lots of laughter. While the celebrations may be more muted at work, we celebrate successes there as well.
Since we have all these causes to celebrate, it makes me wonder why so many of us walk around with a long face and grumpy demeanor. Maybe our busy lifestyles overshadow the joyful noises. Perhaps we just don’t stop to listen to the celebrations. If we do stop to listen, we can join in the gladness and offer our own chorus.
Psalm 100 gives us reasons to celebrate.
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. “
Go ahead! Give yourself a break and celebrate! If you are God’s child, even make a joyful noise. But you might want to tone it down a little if you are in the office.
Reluctant Retiree 