How Do We Celebrate?

As I got ready to go walking this morning, the thoughts about being an encourager that I mentioned in my previous post niggled at my mind. I then remembered the young college girl who was courageous enough to stop and ask me, a total stranger, how she could pray for me. And while I didn't think I wanted to stop anyone and ask the same question, I did think that I should try to cheer someone on this morning, if I could.

I was almost at the end of my walk, though, before I remembered my idea. But then I heard it. Coming from behind me, the sound of a jogger, definitely panting. Heavily. However, it was a man about my age, so I almost hesitated (Rats. Why couldn't it have been an 80 year old?), but as he labored his way past me, I revisited my resolve, and called out something along the lines of "Good job!" He turned his head a bit and called back the greatest thing, "I'm going to make 2 miles today!! Without stopping!!!" Unfortunately, I am not to0 fast on my feet (um, have I mentioned that before?), so I called back the first thing that came to mind: "Celebrate when you get done!!"

I am still not sure what I would have preferred to have said. But something like, "Don't give up!" or "You can do it!" would have made more sense. As it was, I thought, "Great. He just ran 2 miles without stopping and I just sent him out for donuts." Sheesh.

But it did make me ponder: How do we celebrate? Obviously, donuts are one way we have done it in our family. (My apologies to Ruthie who is educating us against sugar.) Celebrating with food is just the thing to do in America. And I don't think I am ready to make my family sacrifice that. Great memories can be made around the kitchen table, and try as I might, I don't think a celebratory jog will replace it, lol! Yet, coming up with better ways to celebrate seems to be a good idea.

So, what are ways --healthy ways--you have celebrated achievements in your family?