I was chatting to one of our daughters today and pointed out that some of the things she’d dreamt only a few years ago are happening for her. It reminded me that it’s important not to forget to pause and celebrate what we are experiencing and achieving right now whilst chasing our dreams and goals.
There is a saying that “success is a series of small wins”. However, there is a temptation in many of us to constantly be driven forward and always be focused on “what’s next”. We can negate the importance and energy generated by taking the time to celebrate our progress correctly.
Wins like getting up to exercise and eating healthy, tackling and making progress on a difficult project, succeeding in achieving a goal, trying something new, or pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. Wins like stepping out to share our faith or to pray for someone, building into our relationships, and taking the time to do the things we love.
God is totally into celebration, as documented throughout the bible. For example, the shepherds, wise men, and angels celebrated the birth of Jesus with gifts, songs, and prayer. Israel and the early Christi marked their calendars with celebrations such as the Feast of Booths, the year of Jubilee, communion, and baptism.
Jesus said that He came to give us joyful, overflowing life (John 10:10). He expects us to celebrate at every opportunity – both in our relationship with Him and also in every win we experience in our daily life. It was never God’s plan to live dull boring, lives, and Jesus’ example shows that. He was even criticised for partying too much by the religious people.
Today permit yourself to celebrate your wins. Document when and where you have accomplished something this week or month, remembering it’s the small wins we can easily forget about in the daily routine. Keep track and then reward and treat yourself in some way.
Pause and thank God because these wins are the very achievement that fuels your progress, adds to your sense of happiness, and gives you the motivation to keep going.
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Nehemiah 12:27)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Prayer: Lord, please help me acknowledge and celebrate even the small wins in my life. That I would be able to see the progress and steps I am making to become all that you made me to be and to recognise your hand upon my life. In Jesus name Amen.
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