Issue #88, August 15, 2012
The wall was finished. Some leaders would quickly move to the next vision. But for Nehemiah it was time to celebrate. At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres….I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. (Nehemiah 12:27, 31) Nehemiah’s celebration was a loud, fun occasion that involved leaders, workers, families, singing, music, and food (yes, they surely ate after the sacrifices were done!). His celebration included two choirs singing on the wall and marching towards each other to meet at a central point for a joint service. Take a moment to read the whole account in Nehemiah 12:27- 43, it will brighten your day! Nehemiah’s celebration is a great example to all servant leaders of both why we celebrate and how to do it well. First, why celebrate?
Celebrations recall.
As we celebrate we remember what was accomplished. We celebrate that the rubble of stones has become a wall we can stand on. We remember the oppositions we overcame along the way and the ways God provided when we despaired of finishing.
Celebrations refresh.
After the weary toil of building a wall, nothing is more refreshing than a hearty celebration. Fatigue gives way to energy. High fives are shared all around!
Celebrations refocus.
Well planned celebrations always bring fresh focus to the lives of people. Even if they had almost forgotten the reason for the days of work in the hot sun, the celebration reminds them of the vision and the goodness of God.
Celebrations reenergize.
One celebration begs for another one. Celebrations cause people to say “What’s the next challenge?” “Where is God calling us now?” People are ready for more, not less! With all that celebrations accomplish it’s no surprise that God loves celebrations and commanded His people to take plenty of days every year to celebrate.
Servant leaders don’t see celebration as a waste of time. Neither do they see celebration as a time to congratulate themselves for a job well done. Instead they recognize that people need to celebrate and God loves celebrations. So they don’t rush from one vision to the next; they pause and make intentional plans to celebrate. From Nehemiah, they learn how to celebrate God’s goodness. .
Celebrations involve everyone.
When it comes to celebrations it’s time to recognize any contribution to the vision however small. Include everyone, even the last person who got on board with the vision! Get the young and the old, those who gave and those who prayed, the masons and the trumpet blowers. Be involved yourself. Nehemiah marched along behind, what a picture of a servant leader!
Celebrations are fun.
What a fun day this must have been, filled with singing and music, food and festivities. Don’t shame God with boring speeches and dry presentations, have fun! If you are not a natural at this get your spouse or someone else to plan the day! Make it a day that people will remember for a long time.
Celebrations focus on the vision.
The genius of Nehemiah’s celebration was the location, the top of the wall! He focused the celebration clearly on the vision. Whenever possible, have your celebration on the site of the victory. If that is not possible, find a way to visually focus the celebration on the vision.
Now, we’ve finished looking at Nehemiah’s great example of leadership and vision…let’s celebrate!
For further reflection and discussion:
- When is the last time you celebrated with your team? Is it time for a celebration? If not now, when will it be time…put it on your calendar today!
- Who on your team would be great to plan your celebration? Who should be included? Make a list of everyone who contributed in any way to the vision, it will certainly be longer than you first think. Don’t forget the families who supported the workers!
- Where will you be at the celebration, at the forefront or smiling from behind? How can you resist the temptation to make this celebration focused on you as the leader?