Celebrate Life!
The month of May was a month of celebrations for me! I’m still basking in the sun of birthday blessings and well wishes in honor of my 60th Birthday and 30th Year in Preaching Ministry. In addition to celebrating me, I celebrated my daughter’s Ariel’s graduation from The Ohio State University Master of Music in Choral Conducting on May 7, 2023! I also celebrated with my sister, Yolonda Griffin’s 55th Birthday in a 7 Day Alaskan Cruise which was amazing!
While I’m happy about these celebrations the truth is I almost cheated myself out of these life giving moments. You see last year this time, I was buried in grief behind the passing of my mother, so much so, that I posted on social media that did not want to celebrate my 60th birthday because my mother would not be here to celebrate this milestone birthday with me. Immediately, family and friends responded with words of comfort and encouraged me to celebrate. Some started saying they looked forward to celebrating with me and others responded with ideas and ways I could celebrate.
I went back and forth about whether or not to throw myself a party. Should I or should I not? This was my internal dialogue and the struggle I shared with close friends. Finally, I made up my mind to celebrate.
I decided to celebrate my 60th Birthday on my actual birthdate, May 16th which fell on a Tuesday this year. I thought, people are not going to come out on a week night so it will probably end up being an intimate dinner party with a few family members and my closets friends. Boy was I wrong, I had over 100 people present to party, laugh, dance, eat good food, and celebrate with me!
My church family hosted a fun Dr. Toni’s Favorite Things 60/30 Day Party on the following Saturday afternoon. They had ALL the favorite things from my childhood growing up in Chicago to now: Garrett’s Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Dill Pickles with a Peppermint, Walgreens, Charcuterie, Fruit, Hop Scotch, Jump Rope, Twister, Connect 4, Uno Cards, Cupcakes, D9 Love and Line!!!
If you know anything about me, you know I love good preaching and good singing, therefore, my 60/30 Celebration concluded with worship services at Grace Church International. A special thanks to Psalmist, Charity Danielle for blessing us in music ministry, and my sister in ministry, Pastor Conitras Houston Dickens who preached a powerful message, “Let’s have a birthday party!” It was a perfect way to give God praise for 60 years of life and 30 years of preaching ministry.
I shared earlier, how I almost allowed grief to rob me of this season of celebrations. Grief has a way to clouding our view of life and causing us to miss special moments with those who remain. I often say, “Life is short, no matter how long we live” so we should celebrate every day God gives us on this earth. Not only should we celebrate big momentous occasions but we should celebrate every aspect of life big and small. Yet there are times when we should celebrate in a big way and allow others to celebrate with us.
This is June 2023. In a few short months this year will be over. Here’s a list of things you can do to celebrate life this summer or before this year ends:
Plan a Fun Day Party.
Host a Family & Friends Game Night.
Attend an outdoor concert or fine arts festival.
Plan a trip to a city, state or country you’ve never visited.
Stay overnight at a hotel or resort in your own city.
Plan a vlog party and share pictures and videos of your travels with family and friends.
Send flowers and cards to family members and friends.
Send a special note or gift to yourself in the mail.
Take a train ride or road trip alone or with family and friends.
Love Deeply, Laugh Heartily, Celebrate and Live Until You Die…
Dr. Toni