What is your idea of fun?
For one season of our lives, Ron and I owned several horses. We spent many glorious days trail riding with a delightful group of friends. We traversed rocks, hills, and streams across Alabama and Tennessee. It was great fun, but it didn’t start out that way for me.
My first trail ride was on a quarter horse named Charlie. Quarter horses are known for their large hindquarters, hence the name, I suppose. Charlie’s massive rear end made smooth rides difficult for a beginner like me. That first ride felt like a 3-hour spanking! It was not a fun time, and I paid for it the next day.
Eventually, I discovered the smooth ride of a gaited horse and bought a velvety, pitch-black racking horse named Shady. We spent a lot of time together, which helped us get to know each other’s quirks. I learned all her ways, and she learned the meaning of every tug on her reins and the gentle press of my boot against her side. She took exceptional care to keep my knee away from tree trunks and my head from low-hanging branches. I soon learned that we both fared better when I loosened the reins and let her find her own way through the most difficult parts of the trail. When we paid attention to each other and stayed in sync, trail riding became joyful and fun.
Our spiritual journeys sometimes follow a similar path. It’s easy to hoist ourselves onto the wrong horse, one that makes us think we’re in charge. We trot through life, beating ourselves up. To speed things along, we grab some spurs of determination, dig in, and hold on for dear life, only to end up in the dirt. Frustrated, we climb back in the saddle and press on, more determined than ever to get it right and make sure everyone else does too. It’s not a fun ride because we’ve chosen the prideful horse of self-reliance. On that stubborn horse, there is no joy.
Choosing the right horse makes all the difference. Letting go of the reins and surrendering control to the Holy Spirit takes us on an incredible, joy-filled ride! Paying attention and spending time with God keeps us synchronized with Him. When we are in sync, we can’t help but enjoy the ride. As Tera-Leigh Cobble says at the end of every Bible Recap, “He’s where the joy is!” “God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32 NLT)
Sure, there will be slippery rocks on our path, hills that seem impossible to climb, and deep, swirling waters to cross. But time after time, those are the very things that ultimately convince us that God’s way is best. He expertly clears the way for us or gives us the strength to continue the journey. He lovingly keeps us on our knees rather than banging our heads against tree-sized troubles. “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.” (Psalm 18:30 NLT)
Whenever I lost my way on an unfamiliar trail, all I had to do was drop the reins and let Shady take me home. She always remembered the way. The most fun I had riding her was charging up the steep mountain trail near our house. I think it was her favorite, too. I’d lean forward, hold onto the saddle horn, make a kissing sound, and give her a little “let’s go” nudge, and off we’d go. It was like riding a fast-moving rocking chair all the way to the top.
Maybe God’s favorite part of our journey together is when we drop the reins and give Him the go-ahead to make HIS charge up the mountain we’re facing. He’s always ready to lead us back home.
This month, we’ve learned to “Love God”, “Love People”, and “Do Your Best”. Now it’s time to “Have Fun” because God gives us joy! Let the trust He’s earned motivate you to saddle up the right horse and courageously yell, “Giddy Up!” You’ve got a trail to blaze!
