Keep the spirit of celebration alive in your heart
Do not quench the Spirit.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NKJV)
With a holiday on the horizon, it causes me to look at the traditions that have been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic. It's only a mere two months, yet we missed out on several holiday celebrations we have known and loved.
There was St. Patrick's Day, when we would add a touch of greenery to our wardrobe to celebrate our Irish families and friends. Somehow, it seems we are all a bit Irish that day.
Next was one of my all-time favorites, Easter. Who wouldn't miss singing praise songs to our Savior and the beauty of white lilies adorning the church altars, their fragrant aromas filling our senses.
Easter also has the tangible touch of the baskets filled with candy and gifts that give us an opportunity to put a smile on the face of another, Easter egg hunts and family gatherings with delicious meals.
Just a couple of weeks ago it was Mother's Day. It's the biggest day of the year for restaurants, as they buzz with the excitement of customers eager to give Mom a break on her special day.
And this weekend is Memorial Day, which is normally filled with marching bands and colorful floats as parades honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military so we can have freedoms today.
For my household, this month is one of our biggest for celebrating birthdays. We have birthdays every week. But this year we will put our family parties on hold for another day, although we didn't miss one blessed moment to text, phone or talk with our favorite loved one to honor them with wishes and dreams on their special day.
One of the things I missed the most during my 8-year stretch as a shut-in was the celebrations. During that time, I learned to accept where I was and petition God for some divine creativity to keep the spirit of celebration alive in my heart. Because without the ability to celebrate, it quenches the spirit.
Yet, the heart of the occasion is really what it's all about. As we reach inside ourselves and realize the reason behind each celebration, we can keep the spirit alive.
Using some ingenuity can help us survive. I enjoy watching the creative car parades. It's heartwarming to see family and friends give wishes to the ones they love as they drive by in vehicles waving posters and banners.
While shut-in, I remember one Christmas my church congregation came to my door and showered me with carols. It wasn't the usual holiday, but it left lasting memories.
As long as there is spirit within us, we can still enjoy some appearance of celebration. We may have to scale back a bit for a season, but if we allow being shut-ins to quench the spirit to celebrate, we're allowing this devilish virus to place a damper on our faith.
God's ordained the spirit of celebration. Holidays, weddings and other occasions all took place throughout the pages of the Bible. So let's do our best to fan the flame of our hearts, and keep the spirit of celebration alive during this challenging time.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted by email at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.