Editor's Note

I saw my first robin of the season last Saturday morning. I was thrilled! I ran into the house and announced loudly, "I saw a robin! Spring's here!"

Then within about 30 minutes, clouds covered the sky, it began to rain, and continued its dreary weather all day. Usually, I hate that kind of weather, but nothing could stop my joy—because I knew spring was coming. I enjoyed the memory of that robin all weekend.

The Bible tells us, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." It doesn't say, "Let us rejoice unless you're having a terrible, no good, horrible day." It says to rejoice just in the fact that we know the Creator. We can rest assured that our God who has always blessed and loved us will continue to seek our good. We have hope that God is working on our behalf—even when we don't see it.

This issue focuses on the spiritual discipline of celebration. It's not the trite, surface, "don't worry, be happy" idea that fades as quickly as it comes. This is the deep, everlasting joy that comes when we offer a sacrifice of praise.

Read more articles that highlight writing by Christian women at ChristianityToday.com/Women