January 7. When was the last time you saw someone leap for joy?

In the old west, at the end of a long cattle drive, cowboys were tired and weary from the task at hand. I can imagine the trail master telling the payroll clerk to settle up with them and to use an expression, “turn em' loose."

As leader of your team, family, or organization, how do you celebrate a job well done? It is not easy to provide constant value to others. It is work, and lots of it. But the results and rewards should be celebrated. After the round up where the calves and new cattle are branded or tagged for a ranch, they must be worked.

They are roped or contained so that they are handled carefully. The brands or tags or both are applied and then they are turned loose. They spring up from the ground and are quick afoot, ready to get out of the shoot or area.

We can celebrate like calves when our value delivery system has worked. Today might be the very best day to do that. What can you celebrate from the last year or even just the past ninety days? What has been inspirational to you and who might you want to share that with?

Celebrations do not have to be kept a secret. In fact, when we celebrate how others have made a difference in our lives, we can show appreciation. Appreciation is one of the four central components we desire as humans. To celebrate and lift up others can lift us up.

We can have a spring in our step like the calf springs up from the ground after being untied. I would bet those who celebrate those successes will see others walk with a spring in their step for a bit as well.

Do you recall the twelve days of Christmas song? There is a line that says, “Ten Lords a leaping.” Perhaps there will be ten springing up because of you today. Will it be you and your team? You are the only one keeping it from happening. What will you do about it today?

As people who walk with faith, we too can celebrate. We read, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” Malachi 4:2 NLT.

Living a life with a personal relationship with Jesus, The Lord, is not a promise of a life with no pain. But it is also a life that does not have to be focused on pain. Jesus suffered pain because of the cross.

Christians know the joy, love, and teaching of the rest of his life and resurrection as well. What do you have to celebrate from the last ninety days in your faith? Go ahead, get with your people, leap like calves let out to pasture. Why not turn em loose?

Our joy comes from the Lord that we celebrate. Perhaps you might be inspired to take twenty minutes and do an inventory of the last ninety days. Get pen and paper or your technology if you prefer.

Think back to October eleventh of last year and list ideas, events, scripture, gifts, worship services, prayers and people that have made a difference in your faith. Identify at least ten that you might celebrate and include others where possible.

If you cannot find ten, find one and share it ten times. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you are worth celebrating. We can be distracted by pain and fear, but we choose today to take time to celebrate you. Guide us to your pastures and places. Let us leap for joy and be inspired by your word and love.

Help us to listen for your voice in the calm still moments. Find us by the streams, pastures and meadows leaping for joy. Look for our faces as we smile because of you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,