Last night, the Atlanta Braves closed out their series (3-1) against the Milwaukee Brewers after a 5-4 win in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

First basemen, Freddie Freeman, hit a solo homer with two outs in the eighth inning to help the Braves move on to their second consecutive trip to the NL Championship Series.

This was a special win for the Atlanta fans because it was the first time since 2001 that the Braves clinched the NLDS in front of the home crowd. Winning and celebrating with the home fans is always a lot more fun, and that’s exactly what they did.

As the Braves celebrated winning the divisional round of the playoffs, I could see their satisfaction and exuberance. The players were hugging each other as they received hats and shirts to commemorate the win and put on goggles for their locker room champagne celebration.

Knowing their ultimate goal is winning a World Series and they still have a ways to go, I was struck by how they still embraced the joy of making it to the NLCS. Even though they also went this far last year in the playoffs, that didn’t stop them from celebrating.

Part of me was thinking they should wait to celebrate until they become World Series Champions, but then I realized how awesome it was seeing grown men go crazy after attaining this goal and the home crowd cheering on their favorite team.

After all, laughter, high fives, and hugs are hard to beat. Life is challenging and it’s nice to find moments filled with smiles and happiness…even if their baseball goals haven’t fully been accomplished just yet.

My opinions regarding celebrations have changed over the years. Although I’ve been one to question kindergarten graduations, 5th place ribbons, and dancing quarterbacks who get a first down, I’m coming to accept that celebrating with a purpose is an awesome gift.

There are many special moments in life that are worth pausing, appreciating, and cheering because finding reasons to celebrate makes life richer and fuller.

Unfortunately, coming up with excuses to celebrate throughout the year seems to be more difficult with everyone’s crazy schedules and not being together as often as we once were.

But what if we made the choice to celebrate more milestones, blessings, and benchmarks throughout our lives? We could intentionally look for opportunities to honor others, gather together, and pause to reflect on the journey…instead of quickly moving 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, love, 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.”

Philippians 4:4 (AMP) tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!”

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. When we allow our minds to be fixed on Jesus, we’ll find endless reasons for celebration.

No, we haven’t reached our final destination in Heaven yet, but 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 to live in view of all You’ve done and will do, and that this would give me cause for celebration. Teach me to enjoy life, people, and fun as I remain focused on Jesus and the salvation I’ve been given. I pray I’d be known for my joy and gladness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. What is your approach to celebrating life and the key moments along the way?

2. What holds you back from living a celebratory life?