Wednesday May 11, 2011

Everyone loves a party. At least most people love a party and some love to party more than others. There are parties centered around the birth of a baby. Birthday parties. Anniversary parties. New Years parties. Graduation parties. Baptismal parties. Christening parties. Coming of age parties. End of the week celebrating no work for the weekend parties. Bachelor parties. Engagement parties. Nor good reason parties. Job advancement parties. Going away parties. Bunko parties. Bridge parties. Opening business parties. Closing a business party. You name it, there is a party waiting to happen.

Nehemiah was into partying too after the wall had been rebuilt in 52 days. He gathered the people together and had Ezra read God’s word to the people. Some of them were distraught when they heard what Ezra was reading and Nehemiah responded by saying, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10). He said to them to go and party. Enjoy yourselves. Rejoice in what you have done. PARTY! It’s interesting to note that the party came after the completion of the wall. Sometimes we celebrate before the work is finished and the work never gets done because we want to always have fun and party. On the other continuum we find individuals who never stop to enjoy their work because they move on to the next thing after an accomplishment without enjoying what they have completed. There is a balance. He had them celebrate after the wall was rebuilt.

On this journey as you have completed a task or fulfilled an obligation, take some time to party and enjoy the completion of your labor.