The spirit is at work here, now, and in this place. TRUTH
I am reading Home Tonight by Henri Nouwen, it is a book where he discusses the parable of the prodigal son in sweet, dear, beautiful detail. The part I read today was on the discipline of celebration, as when the son returned home the father celebrated! He partied hard!
It reads:
"Celebration is so much more than a party or a spectacle... as a spiritual discipline of love, celebration is, beyond partying and entertaining, a well-prepared meeting of wonderment and friendship. Utilize your creativity to fashion simple "fiestas" to overtly affirm, bless, and lift up a loved one. And when you are the one being celebrated, really try to be simple and receive true nourishment for your unsteady heart."
Celebrating is to Affirm, bless, and lift up!
To be celebrated is to be nourished!
I think of the prodigal son coming home broken, ashamed, falling apart. And the Father celebrates. He brings the best to his son because he is moved by his love, compassion, kindness, and beautiful heart. I as the returning daughter tend to in these moments feel uncomfortable. I disobeyed, I sinned, I did shameful things, but I am being celebrated? Yes, Amen, this is the Kingdom of God. For the son who was once dead is now back to life. and we celebrate the LIFE.
I want to be one who celebrates well. And invites others to celebrate me. A friend recently has invited me into a communal way to celebrate consistently and passionately. And I will enter in as an act of discipline, as an act of worship.
I will celebrate.
