“Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke saying, ‘I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and the rider He has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song. And He has become my salvation; He is my God and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.’” – Exodus 15:1-2

Celebrations are important in the arena of sports as well as in the business world. All too often leaders fail to acknowledge accomplishments, even small ones, and we miss out on the opportunity to grow our team and experience the joy of the moment. What are the benefits of celebrations? Without question they motivate us! Celebrating small accomplishments can move us forward in the pursuit of bigger goals. For kids and adults, celebrations can keep us from getting bored or dissatisfied with the sport or the job. They can help to develop a love for the sport or for the work being done. My personal favorite celebration is one that can be done at the end of every practice. Called the “Spotlight Drill”, an athlete stands in the center of a circle of his teammates. Going around the circle, each teammate tells something that they appreciate about the athlete in the center. The one rule is that it can’t be something about their athletic ability. “Allison is a great friend!” Will is always there when I need him.” This simple drill never fails to create a flood of smiles and laughter. The feelings of affirmation can be life-changing!

Biblical leaders understood the importance of identifying, celebrating and remembering victories too! After escaping Egypt, Moses led the people of Israel in a song of celebration. The Lord had drowned the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, ensuring that Israel would never again have to run from Pharaoh. What a song that must have been! Can you imagine the sound of two and a half million voices praising God for the reward of victory? Can you imagine the feelings of security and love after witnessing a miracle of God? May we boldly sing this song of faith each and every day. “He is my God and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”

Heavenly Father, show me to the importance of celebrations. Open my eyes today to the simple accomplishments that are worthy of celebration. They may be in my own life or in the lives of those I serve. Teach me to sing a song of praise to You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.