Don't Forget to Party

As a tribute to my wife's family's family reunion that concluded this morning with church in a barn, I offer today's spiritual discipline notes on the practice of celebration:

• The thing that often keeps me from experiencing joy is a preoccupation with my self.
• Joy is at the heart of God himself - He is the happiest being in the universe.
• Jesus' words to us: "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
• "To miss out on joy is to miss out on the reason for your existence."
• Joy is not optional - it is a Biblical command.
• "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (from the Psalms). Its absence will create weakness.
• You must take responsibility for your own joy.
• When we celebrate, we exercise our ability to see and feel goodness in the simplest gifts of God.
• If we wait until conditions are perfect to celebrate or enjoy life, we will still be waiting when we die.
• True joy comes only to those who have devoted their lives to something greater than personal comfort.

There is much to celebrate. Don't delay.

**(all notes come from Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted)