Jubilee: a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity.
Synonyms: anniversary • commemoration • celebration • festival • gala • carnival • jamboree • feast day • holiday • festivities • revelry.
In Jewish history, a year of emancipation and restoration, celebrated every fifty years.
Exodus 20:11 establishes a Sabbath rest for mankind every seventh day.
Leviticus 25:1-7 teaches about a Sabbath rest for the land, every seven years.
How could a sweet deal like this have gotten messed up? But it did. However, the messing-up part is not what this post is about.
A year ago, I decided to celebrate my personal Year of Jubilee. Hey, if fifty years is significant enough to God to bless His people in such a way; to give the land and people rest, to return things that had been lost, to live dedicated to the Creator for all He made and provides? I want this. So I declared my year of Jubilee.
And it was a great year! Starting with the company of my family celebrating this significant milestone birthday at a favorite Mexican restaurant – I remember vividly (and have a couple pictures to help!) my husband by my side, my boys faces across from me, y comiendo mi chile relleno con frijoles y arroz. Mmmmm… muy delicioso!
Here, a year later, I look back and remember all the joy and personal milestones: rich and deep spiritual growth, personal healing, summer Spanish classes taught by teachers from Mexico and Columbia. ¡Guau! (Spanish for wow) Something I've wanted to do forever!
My Jubilee year also included a trip to see family and view the great American Solar Eclipse, spiritual release into speaking, writing and dancing, meaningful volunteer work, watching my husband and children excel in their work and find pleasure in their hobbies, the blessing of my parents' health (in-loves included), coffee and laughter with great friends, and a beautiful landscape and sky to view every single day. Interestingly, we did not get a garden planted last year, and I think the year before that we were without cattle, so the land got its rest!
It is funny to me how different we all are. Some absolutely dread getting older, but I must say, I have really enjoyed it and look forward to the days and years ahead. I do not accept that getting older is something to be looked upon like a dreaded disease. Bring it on!
Life continues rolling on, and each day offers new challenges and adventures if only we are willing to see and embrace them. So farewell, adios, goodbye, my year of Jubilee. Thank you for your rich blessings. Now, and still ahead, there is much more to grasp and see, to live and give!
Beautiful. Life is worth the living. You are a shinning example to all of us.
Thanks Ging! Love you, friend!