In order to be a great parent, friend or family member we must consistently contribute compassion and celebration into the lives of others. Compassion and celebration are not an option, they are a requirement.
What is spectacular is that when we walk in step with God as we receive his son, Jesus Christ, as our savior and follow his leadership, he contributes compassion and celebration into our lives. We can then consistently contribute compassion and celebration to those we love.
Jesus talked about his father’s desire to shower us with compassion and celebration when he told the story of the prodigal son in Luke Chapter 15. The prodigal son ran far from his father, squandered his inheritance on wild living and found himself with nothing; no friends; no food; no fun to say the least. He has an awakening and decides to return to his father, believing he would never be received again as a son, but hoping his dad would hire him. Upon his return, when the father first saw him, the father’s heart was filled with compassion; he ran to his son and embraced him.
He said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.
Our kids need parents, people and a church in their lives who celebrate them and the work of God in them; parents who have fun, live with joy, and embrace each day as a gift.
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I am convinced a family that laughs together, grafts together. Birthdays and holidays should be a big deal. We must intentionally find reasons to have parties, laugh and celebrate. Many people think a big deal means big bucks; that’s not true. A big deal means thought and advance preparation. Sometimes the reason we spend big bucks is because we waited to the last minute so we throw money at the situation.
There was a dad who worked a lot, traveled a lot, made good money and he enjoyed taking his son on exotic trips: skiing in Colorado, big-time sporting events, fishing trips in Canada. When his son was in his early 20s, he, his dad, and the rest of the family were hanging out. The son had a new girlfriend and they got to talking about some of the trips they went on and the dad asked “Out of all the outings and memories we had together, son, which one sticks out to you the most?” Without hesitation the son said, “Dad, I will never forget the day you showed up to my school unexpectedly and we went out and had hot dogs together.” The dad was flabbergasted. He was thinking…out of all the big trips and big things we did together what you will never forget is eating hot dogs together?
What can you do this week to intentionally celebrate your children? Our homes should be where the parties start; not alcohol-induced parties but dry parties where we celebrate, laugh and have fun together.
God bless you! See you next Sunday!
