The course of a year includes many holidays, some shared as a nation, others through the particular faith traditions to which different people belong. You may value some more than others. Mothers Day seems to draw more attention than Fathers Day, and Memorial Day more than Veterans Day. The ways you observe special days, or not, reflect your values; some matter to us more than others, some, not at all.
There is so much more to celebrate and appreciate than what is addressed in mandated days of observance. These official days could serve as reminders to notice what they commemorate every day; to appreciate more of life’s ordinary blessings. That could increase focus on mothers and fathers. It could mean gifts of flowers, chocolate, and wine for loved ones more often. It adds mindfulness of Memorial Day and Veterans Day every day, awareness of those who have served our country and safeguarded its freedom. The Fourth of July could inspire a daily exercise in counting blessings of this country, its unique vision of rights for everyone to live in freedom and dignity, and the happiness of a society that celebrates differences.
The toast accompanying a meal is its own reminder that every day contains holiday-type elements, worth noticing and worthy of celebrating.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR SIPPIN’:
- How many holidays, small and large, are worthy of celebration … today?
- How about creating new personal holidays, for example, Brothers Day or Sisters Day?
- When, if ever, do you remind yourself, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life”?
