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Celebrations - Big and Small

Yesterday marked a huge day for the world when Billy Graham breathed his last breath on earth at the age of 99 and awoke in heaven to a celebration only the Lord could prepare.  His teachings reached each continent, with him stepping onto 185 countries to share the love of the Lord and to preach repentance.    For decades he has preached this, sat with quite a few of the US Presidents, met countless other world leaders, but to him, the greatest accomplishments came with that one sinner that turned to Christ.  Billy himself wasn't interested in the huge celebrations, ones with pomp and circumstance, the ones with fine linens on the table and a huge spread of food.  His daughter even said that he was easily satisfied with a plain McDonald's hamburger and a scoop of ice cream.  He was a simple man with a simple message: turn from your sins so you could know abundant life and and have eternal life .

 Well, as Billy walked through heaven yesterday, free from old age and illness, we celebrated in our house last night....for another entirely different reason.  Lucas had his final game of the season last night.  Remember a few blogs ago when I spoke about his sweet, little team and the fact that they hadn't won yet?  GUESS WHAT?!  THEY WON!  

 I'll be honest.  I prayed before the game that if it would be possible, that God would please help them win.  I truly believe the Lord knows the desires of our heart and it's perfectly okay to voice them to Him.  He will act according to His will, but He also tells us to bring our cares and concerns to Him.  So I did.  Now, I am, in no way, taking credit for their win.  I tell you only to show you how much it meant to me...and to the sweet, young boy that lives in my house.

 Through much of the game, we appeared to be evenly matched.  The best players were kept in much of the game to keep the game close.  By the fourth quarter, we went into it tied.  THEN, the baskets kept adding up.  My sister kept grabbing her other son, too afraid to watch at moments.  I could barely breathe and hold back my tears.  It was happening.  We were winning.  As the final minute ticked down, the kids on the bench anxiously and excitedly stared at the scoreboard in awe.  Even the coach jumped up and down after each basket - something Logan mentioned she NEVER does.  The buzzer finally sounded and the board displayed the final score.  And the celebration began!  

 At this point, you might be wondering HOW on earth I could dare speak about a basketball game in the same blog as one that I started talked about the revered Billy Graham.  And, I do so because the Lord rejoices with us - in the small celebrations like a grade school basketball game, and in the big things like a renowned pastor entering heaven.  I also truly believe that while He might have been ushering Billy around heaven yesterday, He took time to stop and smile at the celebrations happening on a little basketball court in Illinois.  He cares about us deeply---every moment, every tear, every care, every concern, every celebration, every defeat.  ❤


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