It's a Celebration!

Hosted by the local Nazarene Church, there was a women's weekend conference held at a retreat center several towns over. I was invited to be a part of the welcoming back service that the church held late Sunday night. It was quite an experience! They had set up candles along the entrance inside the church lined inside with rose petals...leading up to the front of the church, where there were chairs for the women with lots of balloons and streamers. I felt like I was attending a wedding, because it was so nicely decorated and there was even someone playing the piano as each woman was escorted inside by a young man from the church. We all stood and clapped as they entered. Then we sang a few praise and worship songs. Each woman then took a turn coming forward and giving a testimony or sharing something from the retreat. When she was finished sharing, someone from the "audience" came forward to officially greet them back, usually it was family members such as husbands, children, or a close friend. It was encouraging to hear about how they were challenged during their time at the retreat as well as exciting to see how God is moving in their lives. We ended by praying over all the women, to encourage them to continue with their walk with the Lord. It was just such a celebratory event, and it was neat to be a part of it and to share in the rejoicing.

It was unlike anything I have ever been a part of before, such enthusiasm and congradulations just for returning from a retreat. But at the same time, isn't that the way it should be? I'm reading through the book of Acts right now, and I've noticed that everytime Paul or one of the other disciples returns to a certain group of believers or the church, they ALWAYS share how God has been using them and working in the lives of others. Paul consistently encourages the other believers with what God has done in his life. Likewise, those women came back from what was an amazing time of prayer and worship and learning to share with us what God had done. They encouraged us and gave us a piece of that joy and enthusiasm that they found. It has challenged me to be more aware of how God is working in my life and to share it with someone. To give thanks by letting others know, so that they too can be encouraged and uplifted. May you celebrate what God is doing in your life and share it with someone else!