We now learn that while Moses has been on his big adventure going head to head with Pharaoh, leading the Hebrew slaves into freedom, his wife and kids have been at the in-laws.
And we learn that Moses and his father-in-law are people who take stock of moments - if they only had cameras. Like when Moses first came to the land of his in-laws, he named his son "Gersom" as a reminder of his feeling of "being a stranger in a strange land."
And apparently as he slowly settled into life in Median, as he reflected on the events of his life, he had come to the realization and appreciation that it was God who had watched over him all his life. So when he had a second son, he named him "Eliezer".
And now that Jethro has brought Moses his wife and kids, and hears about all the great escape from Egypt, he immediately sets in motion the wheels for a party - to mark the moment.
And it's not a party just for Moses and the family. It is a party that begins with an offering for God, and then a feast for all the leaders of the community.
Jethro's first lesson for God's people: keep a photo album of God's gifts and miracles, and celebrate everything with all of God's people.
Write
Think about your faith story: review your mental photo album of everything God has done in your life? How have you celebrated God's goodness?
in your life presently, what are the God-encounter moments? What do you get to celebrate today? How?
Who do you would be blessed to be invited to your celebration today, and hear about what God is doing?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about the ways he has been in your life - the good and the questions. Thank God for the way he does not abandon you to fend for yourself, the ways he blesses you..
Pray about what God is doing in your life presently, the ways he is making his presence felt. Ask God for the inspiration to create a "memorial" for this time in your life, and a way to celebrate what God is doing which blesses others.
Pray for the people whom God would have you celebrate your moment with. Ask God to give you the insights to share your appreciation for God with them, and to bless them in some tangible way.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way you remember everything God does in your life, and the way your celebration his goodness.