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How do you Celebrate the Firsts in your Life?

August 5, 2010 By Jean Wise

Watching a grandchild provides endless life lessons. 
I realized this last Saturday when I grabbed the camera to capture Kyla’s first boat ride on Hamilton Lake.  (By the way she doesn’t look too happy in these photos and really wanted a nap instead of a strange bumpy trip on water. She did enjoy the second boat ride later in the day with giggles and smiles.)
blankHow we love to celebrate a child’s firsts in life! Think of them all – the first tooth, the first haircut, the first walk, the first day of school. We clap our hands, take lots of photos and maybe have a party. We inscribe the event into our memory for safekeeping and honor the moment.
Why have we as adults forgotten to honor firsts in our lives?  I don’t like to think that we have no more firsts after we reach a certain age. I think I quit noticing and don’t take the time to recognizing new onsets in my life.
I believe in life long learning – so the first time you read a new word, pondered a new idea, or learn a new skill should be celebrated.
How about the first time you accomplished a dream? Revel in the feeling of accomplishment.
Try a new food or traveled to a new place lately?  Pause to honor that blessing.
I also think there are many “firsts” around us waiting to be discovered -the first robin of spring or the first dip in the ocean on the first day of vacation.
How about everyday firsts?

Last Sunday I experimented with a first. I decided to celebrate the first non-family member I met entering into church and hold that person up in prayer that day and the rest of the week. I saw Martha in the kitchen as soon as I came into the building. She even sat right in front of me during worship, so I had no excuse not to remember to pray for my selected “first” of the day. Each day this week I smiled as I held her up into the presence of God in my prayers. 
I like this way of celebrating a first in my life and plan to keep my eyes open for more moments to capture, honor, and hold as precious debuts.  Celebrating either a child’s or an adult’s “first” makes me feel more alive.

How about you? Any firsts you want to celebrate?

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Filed Under: family/friends, spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankLaura says

    August 7, 2010 at 10:00 pm

    Oh, so many firsts for me this year. But I like your idea of celebrating the first person you see — praying for them, blessing them. Neat, Jeanie!

  2. blankSparkling Star says

    August 6, 2010 at 11:32 am

    Aww! the lil one is so adorable ! Great Blog!

  3. blankKaren says

    August 5, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    That little girlie is a doll baby! I love seeing the world again through childrens eyes. Your first at church is a lovely action. I want to celebrate a book published. Now that would really be a first! 🙂

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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