Dear blog readers, most of us saw our physical leaping days depart a long time ago. Leaping is still a great notion, and awesome action verb. It is playful and JOYful. There are numerous leaping instances; I shall name a few:

• Leaping out of a perfectly good airplane
• Leaping into a mud puddle, which most of us haven’t done since we were single-digit-years-old
• Ten lords a-leaping (‘tis the season)
• Leaping lizards and frogs
• The “Lambeau Leap” for you Packers fans
• Leaping and dancing, like King David in I Chronicles
• John the Baptist leaping in his mother’s womb at the announcement of Mary (again, ‘tis the season)

The biggest leaps are ones of faith. There are infinitely more spiritual, faithful leaps in us than physical ones. Retirement. Moving to Florida. Elective surgery. Downsizing. Taking care of a grown child or grandkid. Calling out for help, especially us too-proud members of the male gender. When we are challenged beyond our capacity, when we are criticized, ostracized, and marginalized, that is when we leap into the arms of our Redeemer.

Any leap requires leaving the piece of ground your feet are planted on. We can still, even as senior citizens, at least raise our heels off the ground, or do a slight stretching hop and feel the Spirit uplift us. Even in the daring skydiving leap, we expect that we will land on solid ground. We cast aside our fears, throw caution to the wind, and place our cares on Him. Sometimes we choke back sobs of gratitude when we feel the moment of a faith-leap responded to clearly by God’s angels. Our pain, misery and fear become manageable. Safe travels and landings as you leap, dear blog reader. Unconditional love, grace, mercy, and peace be unto you during this holy season of expectation.

Pastor Art