When we take time to celebrate God’s faithfulness in our life, we bring Him glory and honor.

You’ve probably heard the parable in which a shepherd loses one sheep and leaves 99 others behind in order to find it (Luke 15:3-7). This is a succinct, heartwarming picture of the Father’s love for us, but have you ever noticed the majority of the story focuses on celebration? First the shepherd rejoices in the found sheep, next he rejoices with his friends, and then Jesus says heaven rejoices in our repentance.

These days, we might celebrate a friend or loved one’s birthday, but how often do we pause to reflect and enjoy what God has done in his or her life? Or what He’s done in our own life? We’re usually too hurried and distracted to take inventory of the Lord’s faithfulness, or we underestimate the importance of rejoicing—a seemingly frivolous activity. But in this parable, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot celebrate God’s faithfulness enough—no matter how big or small the occasion may seem. When we take time to celebrate the Lord’s gifts, on Easter Sunday and all year long, we acknowledge His perfect provision and bring Him honor.