Celebrations

Yesterday on my way home from work I saw a series of signs leading into a small town that I travel through on my way to my own small town. They were covered in American Flags and Yellow Ribbons. Some said "Welcome Home Uncle Don"; others said "Welcome Home Bubba" and others simply said "Welcome Home". There was a total of about six leading into town. I must admit, immediately upon the seeing the first sign, I cried. Tears of joy for someone I didn't know; for a family I have never met. I knew how those signs were made in love and how much that family had to have loved that service member they had missed for....who knows how long.

Those signs brought back memories for me. It was just this past September that I made signs just like those. Except, since I had travelling to where my Son flew into I couldn't post them around town. However, I did make several and held them up so high. I was so thankful and happy and proud that he was finally home. The year my son was in Iraq was one that was very hard to endure. I had so many thoughts and feelings and fears inside, but I had to be strong too. Not only for him, but for the family I still had at home. I knew in my heart he would be safe - because really, one way or another he would be. Whether the Lord brought him back to me or took him Home, the Lord was with him every step of the way: safe. But, every day I counted the days down to the day I could welcome him back home. He was my first born and I missed him so. What a joyous sight he was, stepping off that bus and filing into the Gym to be greated by those that missed him. I was thankful the Lord chose to let him come home to his family.

I know so many families have lost loved ones...from the beginning of time. Mothers, and fathers, have lost their sons and daughters, brothers, sisters. That is something I can't begin to understand, yet every day I know that had Mary not lost her Son, I would not have eternal life. I wouldn't have even had the opportunity. For that I am ever grateful and blessed.

And speaking of celebrations, today was my dear friend, Jenny's, birthday. She was truly such a wonderful person and friend. But today she celebrated this birthday with Jesus. I can just imagine the celebration up in heaven. She was definitely full of life. I miss her. Yet, I know she is no longer sick and no longer in pain. I can't wait until the day I see her again and we can celebrate these birthdays - and all holidays - together again.

Celebrate life. Celebrate those in your life each and every day. We don't need a holiday or a birthday or even a special reason. The only reason we need is knowing that Jesus came and gave His life so we could have life. That is worth a celebration in our heart today and every day.

Below is one of my all time favorite praise and worship songs. May it bless you as well.

Celebrate Jesus celebrate

Celebrate Jesus celebrate

Celebrate Jesus celebrate

Celebrate Jesus celebrate

He is risen He is risen

And He lives forevermore

He is risen He is risen

Come on and celebrate

Come on and celebrate

Come on and celebrate

The resurrection of our Lord