Learning to Celebrate
The room itself was not impressive. It had simple décor that was somewhat outdated. The crowd seemed to fit the décor as well. No suits or ties worn here, just a blue jean crowd. We assembled in the designated places with eager anticipation of the big event.
The big event? Well, it had been two weeks of hard work, and each student had dealt with a number of hard subjects. But, why the big event? Why make such a fuss over a two-week program?
I had these questions and more as I prepared to watch the graduation ceremony of a two-week drug rehab program. I have to tell you I learned enough in that hour I should probably hold my own commencement ceremony.
The very week I had finished reading a book that pointed out how to celebrate significant life moments. I found myself listening to guys called Juniors and Seniors exclaim the greatness of the last two weeks of their lives. Each stood before receiving their diploma and told of the changes made, and their hope for the future. My previous questions were now silenced and replaced with others.
Why haven’t I ever celebrated like this before? How many accomplishments have I missed celebrating?
Often I am asked how I measure success in ministry. I thought I had some good answers. You know, number of kids off the street, off drugs, in a program or whatever expected ending I thought would satisfy their question. How wrong I was. After seeing the simple room filled with simple people blowing the roof off the place with ovation after ovation, celebrating a day when ten young men said no to a destructive life and yes to hope, I now know success in a new way. Success is the day a person no longer thinks they are the dumbest person in the world. It is the moment when a young person sees a glimmer of self-esteem. It is a truth instead of a lie. Success is learning to celebrate and start over as many times as necessary.
Thank you Lord, for seeing success in me celebrating your love through my life every day. Please help to me celebrate your love through others the same way.
