Celebrate Well

It has been said by many, "learn to suffer well."  I think I have learned this to a degree, but with everything, I am sure there is more to learn, but for right now I understand it as much as I need to for this season of life.

Suffering well means that during the time of intense pain, we are able to find joy and make healthy choices that improve our situation by improving our outlook.  Even if the situation itself does not change.  Much emphasis is on the time of trials and time of pain, a time that you almost feel triaged... prioritizing the worst injuries and leaving minor wounds alone for now.  Suffering well means looking to Christ to fill you up and give you joy that is only found in Him.  An invaluable lesson for sure, it can set you on a path of understanding how big God is and how we can truly rely on Him to take care of all our needs.  This is great.  I have been encouraged and have had many people who have listened and then direct me back to my Father for comfort and peace.  They helped me suffer well.  But what happens next?

Celebrating well in a new season.  Sounds kind of ridiculous doesn't it?  But for a pessimist and self proclaimed realist celebrating well isn't something that comes easy.  There is much doubt and suspicion that seethes inside, constantly questioning the motives of others and trying to sort the phony feelings from the truth of what is actually going on.  Is it okay to be happy?  Is it okay to not feel in suffering anymore?  Are others seeing me as weak or pathetic for steps I am taking?  Why is there a feeling of shame involved here?  Even with answered prayers, it feels wrong to celebrate.  I do not desire to do a victory dance, I am not a fool and understand the road is long.  I do however, desire to praise Jesus for answered prayers.  I desire to worship God in his goodness and faithfulness.  I want to be in community while doing this, but what does that look like?  Why do we not stop and praise as well as stop and pray?  So many have prayed with me through tough times, but we also need to remember to praise Him through moments of hope, calling out the good no matter how obvious or if our flesh questions it.  This is celebrating well, staying focused on Him always in the lows and also in the highs of life.