From Quiet Reflection to Joyful Expression: Embracing Celebration and Encouragement
Has your gratitude been out in public?
Every November, the avalanche of articles and captions about gratitude come around like clockwork, and I’m here for it! I believe it’s an important spiritual practice to cultivate year-round.
Less touted are its cousins, Celebration and Encouragement. Whereas gratitude is mostly a quiet, inner practice, celebration and encouragement are the clothes it wears out in public.
Celebration can be an elaborate party or it can be a spontaneous dance in the kitchen. It can be a special meal or it can be a high five. We don’t typically think of it as a spiritual practice, but author and theologian Adele Calhoun reminds us that it is one way we worship:
“God celebrates. He invented delight, joy, and celebration. And one way we enter in the divine life of the Trinity is through celebration.”1
Later this month, I’ll be throwing a Thank You breakfast for all the church volunteers who have helped me in my role at work. I’m keenly aware of how little I can do without their support, especially when it comes to our events. Baking coffee cake and pumpkin bread and setting a fancy table for them is the best way I know of to show my deep gratitude.
Encouragement is another way we show gratitude, and by that, I mean speaking words that build others up to show that they are seen, appreciated, and loved. Sometimes I’ll think to myself:
“I’m so glad this friend is such a good listener.”
“Thank goodness my co-worker is on this, she’s so reliable.”
“Reading on the couch with my two boys is my favorite. I’m lucky they’re mine!”
For whatever reason, I rarely say these things out loud. But the times when other people have shared their appreciation with me are treasured memories. Those are the times when I have felt seen and valued. Letting other people know they are loved – that who they are and what they do matters – is a blessing of encouragement that costs nothing to pass along.
So what can you celebrate and who can you bless with some words of encouragement this month? May our inner lives of gratitude spill out into outward signs of praise!
Something I wrote: The Top 8 Free Advent Devotionals For You or Your Family. Resources abound at this time of year, and I loved compiling this top-quality list! All of these are FREE, and it’s hard to pick a favorite. I hope you find one that you love!
Something I read and loved: Reflections on Parenting from the Bowling Alley from
was so spot on, I found myself nodding along to this very encouraging read!Something I listened to: Let it Shine with Angie Elkins: Sanctification Over Self-Help I was nervous about listening to this one because, honestly, I do like self-help stuff. But this episode was gold! I love how Angie and her guest Whitney Capps defined sanctification, and their list near the end about what self-help looks like vs. what sanctification looks like was really insightful. Definitely worth a listen!
Something I’m cooking: Orzo is my new favorite type of pasta, and so I can’t wait to try this Creamy Mushroom Orzo. I can already tell I’ll need to double this recipe!
Just gonna say it: I’m grateful for you, dear readers! Putting together this newsletter is one of my favorite things I do as a writer. To say thank you, I’m putting my signature course on sale for the rest of the month! Use code GRATEFUL4U to get 40% off Spiritual Practices for the Busy Modern Woman. It’s perfect for anyone who needs some fresh ideas to breathe new life into their life with God!
Until next time,
From p. 28 of Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Friend, thank you so much for sharing my article and I so appreciated reading your words on celebration and encouragement. They are important cousins to gratitude for sure.
We decided, at the last minute, to throw a 1st birthday party for our fourth baby (and first girl). I didn’t know why I suddenly felt the need for a celebration, but after reading your words about gratitude the celebration, that makes sense now. I love reading your newsletter--thank you for writing!