Celebration is a good thing. But only when it’s done for things worth celebrating.
I’ve enjoyed watching football since I was a child. But one thing that annoys me is when a team or player makes a play and then taunts their opponent when they’re in no position to do so.
Like the defensive back who gloats after delivering a hard hit to a running back, although the runner just reeled off 40 yards on the play. Or the lineman who taunts the opposing quarterback after a sack late in the game, although the quarterback has already shredded the defense with hundreds of yards and half a dozen touchdowns.
Sure, talking trash and pretending like they’re amazing may make them feel better about themselves, but when the overall results of their play haven’t been that great, excessive celebration just seems pretty hollow — even ridiculous at times.
I wonder how many times we’re tempted to do the same thing. Not in trash talking, or showboating, or anything like that. But in making much of one result in life while overlooking the bigger picture.
Like the businessman who finds satisfaction in how busy he’s staying, but fails to realize that although he’s busy, he’s still not spending time on the tasks and relationships that are most important. Or the couple who finds pleasure in finally getting the right house in the right neighborhood, but who have failed to nurture and invest in their own relationship.
Finding joy and satisfaction in what we do is important. But doing so should also be done in light of the bigger picture.