Together with my Mum – Australia 2011
Last night on Facebook, I posted that I had just booked tickets for Tom and I to go to Australia in June to celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday. I was amazed at the response, not just the “likes” it received but at the comments by those who remembered special times with their own mothers and fathers. One person shared about taking her mother to Israel when she was in her 80s. Another mentioned that she is heading to Sweden to celebrate her mother’s 85th birthday. Another grieved the fact that she had lost her mother when she was still young and had no opportunity to enjoy the celebrations we are relishing.
When my Dad died nearly 4 years ago, I made a commitment. I decided that I would head down to Australia twice a year to spend time with my Mum. It has not always been easy. The flight is long and gruelling, the work doesn’t stop while I am away and the financial pressure sometimes has me questioning my decision. But the fruit of these visits is immeasurable. The special memories of these last few years are more than I could ever imagine.
Time spent with loved ones needs to be a priority in our lives. If we are too busy or too stressed to party with family and friends then we need to question our priorities. The kingdom of God begins with a great banquet feast and I think that every time we gather with friends and families we catch a glimpse of what that will look like.
Maybe it is not your mother that you need to plan a party for. It could be a friend you have not seen for a long time. Or it could be for your colleagues and co-workers. Or for your neighbours. Celebration is at the heart of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ critics complained that he spent too much time partying – eating and drinking with friends. And he enjoyed that wedding at Cana so much that he made it even more fun for people by turning water into wine. Unfortunately too much partying is not often a criticism people accuse Jesus’ followers of much these days.
So take some time this morning to think about how you could plan a “resurrection party” for those you know and love. What would you need to let go of to free up the time necessary to make it happen?
11 comments
Always loved Tom’s book Why settle for more and miss the best for encouraging celebration and seeing it as important. My Mum is 80 this year and we have planned a celebration she will enjoy!
Wonderful
I loved reading your post, it’s so well written 🙂 I’m new to blogging, I’d love it if you could read my post on Skydiving in Australia 🙂 http://mylifemybubble.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-skydiving-definitely-isnt-for-you/
Thanks – you are off to a good start
Both my parents are turning 60 this summer, so my sister and I are throwing them a blow-out in CA in June. It is extremely life-giving to plan on celebrating them. Thanks for your post!
Life giving is exactly the word I would use – good on you Judy for celebrating like this
Maybe it’s yourself. 🙂
Christine, you will never regret this time with your Mum. My dad lived with my husband and I for 6 years before he died last May, just missing turning 91 on July 4th. My husband and I cherish the pictures of him and now that the warmer weather is here, I love to go and sit on the porch and look at his rocking chair and remember how happy he was living here with us. Hug your Mum extra close for all of us.
Katie
Thanks Katie – I do realize that this is a very special opportunity
Thanks for the challenge Christine. Although I have lost both my parents there are plenty of other people to party with. This week I am visiting my two remaining aunts who are in their 80s and who I have had very little contact with over the years. By the way I am in Australia too.
Marilyn, that’s great. This year one of God’s challenges to me is to reconnect to and celebrate with people I have not seen for a long time. Blessings.