Last week, we had the opportunity to go on our Spiritual Rhythms retreat at Camp ToknowHim in Pisgah, Alabama. I came into the trip knowing only that we were going to spend six hours in solitude at some point, so naturally I assumed that was going to be the most impactful part of the trip. While my time in solitude was incredible, we also had the opportunity to learn from our professors about and practice a variety of different spiritual disciplines. One of the disciplines that stood out to me was Celebration. The word “discipline” has always seemed somewhat harsh and unappealing to me, so I had never considered that discipline could be fun and fulfilling, rather than just something we should do because it’s good for us to do.
Todd Foster taught us that celebration is the practice of intentionally enjoying God’s good gifts, and that it helps us to train for joy.
It builds monuments in your life so you can look back and see how good, kind, and faithful God has been. In the Bible, is often demonstrated through annual feasts and festivals in the Old Testament, as well as celebrations in Jesus’ life, with His first miracle being the transformation of water into wine at a wedding feast in John 2:1-11. Another way of celebrating that we spoke about was simply words of affirmation, which is something that I have noticed myself struggling to practice. After strategizing with my small group, I came up with a goal for myself to start celebrating and exhorting others more. I plan to do this by leaving notes, shooting them a text, or even telling someone how I see Christ in them face-to-face.
We learned so much at the Spiritual Rhythms retreat, and I have already begun to see positive change in our class’s culture now that we’re back on campus. Just yesterday morning, I walked into my suite’s common area to find twelve roses and sticky notes with personal affirmations left on our table for each of us guys to find. God is so good, and I can’t wait to see how He’s going to continue to use what we learned to transform our character for the better!
Obie Stover, Class of 2027
We believe that when a student is rooted in truth, they become a catalyst for the Kingdom wherever they go. Help us continue to forge disciples who possess the resolve to stay faithful and the tools to make disciples. Your investment in the Multiply Fund makes this transformation possible.