Celebration - by Meryl McKean

 

I’ve just been celebrating my grandson Levi’s second birthday. The party was a noisy, joyful, chaotic gathering of relatives and friends who travelled to join in the fun. Levi isn’t fully formed of course, but he has reached an important marker, and we are cheering him on and celebrating him.

His year has been made up of small and big landmarks. Sounds that have turned into recognisable words, running everywhere, naming every truck and motorbike that passes – I could go on and I’m sure his parents could fill this page! We’ve seen him push boundaries and literally fall over many times. This hasn’t deterred him, it’s all part of his day. Part of growing up is trying new things until you can do them, and we encourage him as he changes and grows.

At the beginning of a new year, we often look ahead, maybe we set some goals for our writing, dream of what may happen and how we can take steps to make those writing goals come true. It is easy to reach the end of a year and focus on the things that haven’t happened, the knockbacks or disappointments. They can so easily fill our thoughts and affect our progress.
Instead, I would suggest that you look back over the year and ask the Lord to remind you of the positive things you have achieved. Maybe an encouraging comment from a friend, a piece of writing that has brought you pleasure or been helpful to someone else. It’s not just about the big things, every small thing counts. As you make your list, know that your heavenly Father is rejoicing over you, cheering you on and inspiring you. No matter what is on your list and how long it is, he sees you, his child and takes pleasure in you, his creation. He wants to inspire you in the coming year as you connect with him and line up with his purposes. Ask him about those too. How about sharing something on your list?

‘The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.’

Zephaniah 3 v 17

      

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.