If you happened to be in Cleveland last night or today, you would see Browns fans filling the streets, going nuts, and celebrating their Super Bowl win…I mean, their Week 3 win against the Jets!

After 635 days of winless football, the Cleveland Browns finally got a victory and they’re celebrating as if they won the Lombardi Trophy.

Last night’s game turned out to be thrilling with rookie, Baker Mayfield, entering the game in the 2nd quarter after starting QB, Tyrod Taylor, was sent to the locker room to deal with a concussion.

With the Browns down 14-0 at this point, it looked like another brutal game for Cleveland and the home crowd. But after the first overall pick in the NFL Draft came in, the whole tone and atmosphere changed. Mayfield ended up leading the team to a defining 21-17 comeback win.

While the Browns walked off the field as victors, surrounded by a roaring crowd, they displayed their relief and excitement with high fives, hugging, and shouts of joy.

It was nice to finally see Cleveland have a reason to cheer – especially the fans who have remained loyal through all of the losing and disappointing years.

Of course, it’s funny to see fans so enthusiastic about a win against the Jets in Week 3, but I appreciate their support and exuberance. Their response to this long-awaited win is understandable. They absolutely had reason to celebrate this moment!

Although I’ve been one to question celebrating kindergarten graduations, 5th place ribbons, and dancing quarterbacks who get a first down, I do think finding reasons to rejoice makes life richer and fuller.

We should take moments to recognize what’s been accomplished within our families, or our teams at work, and ultimately be filled with thankfulness and joy for the provisions God provides us. Celebrations filled with purpose and thankfulness are awesome gifts!

Unfortunately, we don’t always pause long enough to appreciate and cheer for what’s been done because we move so quickly to the next thing or we take blessings for granted. But what if we made the choice to live a life filled with celebration?

We could intentionally look for excuses to honor others, gather together, and pause to reflect on the journey…instead of quickly move on to the next thing.

As followers of Jesus, we have much more to celebrate than just closing a deal at work, winning a game, or buying a new house. I love a good housewarming party, but our homes should also be a place for regularly celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness. We should be the most joyful, fun-filled, excited people on the block!

If we stopped living such busy and boring lives, we could really enjoy some laughter, high fives, and hugs. We should be known for having a good time because our lives have been transformed and our hearts made alive.

Psalm 118:24 (AMP) reminds us, “This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) proclaims, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Today, let’s be challenged to think about God’s love and the many blessings He so graciously gives us. After all, we were once “losers” who finally experienced victory!

When we allow our minds to be fixed on Jesus and how He’s saved us, we will find endless reasons for celebration. We better start practicing now because spending eternity with Him will be a party that never ends!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me live in view of all You’ve done and will do so there is cause for celebration. Teach me to enjoy life, people, and fun as I remain focused on Jesus and the salvation I’ve received. I pray I’d be known for my joy and gladness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.