I actually love this verse, Malachi 4: 2…
And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Stalls are good and even necessary, especially for the young. They are contained and controlled and protected and fed on schedule. But then in the spring when they are released they go nuts! I’ve seen it. It’s beautiful and happy. They now can rest, eat or play whenever they want for as long as they want with whomever they want.
When I first left the church I was like a calf released from my stall. It was exhilarating. After the novelty wore off, I settled into eating what I wanted when I wanted, doing what I wanted to do, being who I know I am… in the great wide open!
I’m thankful for the stall I was in. But I’m even more thankful for my release.