I love riding horses. I have always been passionate about horses even as a little girl who lived in an apartment in Galena Park, TX. It was only three years ago that I started riding regularly. My friend, Maggie and I ride most Saturday mornings, until recently. My schedule and the New Mexico heat just weren’t working so I took some time off to get other things accomplished. Today was my first day back on the trail
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Oh, what a feeling it is to put your foot in the stirrup and swing your other leg over and sit in the saddle! The smell of the leather gloves, the feel of the reins between your fingers, and how your boots feel in the stirrups. And then you take in a breath for the first time all week and the worries and yuckiness of everything in the world has disappeared.
I love the horse I ride, her name is Kelsey, and she knows when it’s time to canter. I simply tell her, “Are you ready, Kels? Are you ready?” And with a little click of tongue we are off! She is thick, and muscular and sure footed so I never worry. As we canter and get into our rhythm I smell the sage and feel the wind in my face. The twists and turns in the arroyos and the soft sand make for amazing paths. The sound of Kelsey’s hooves is absolutely thrilling! All I am doing at that moment is concentrating on breathing and watching what’s ahead. I try not to think about the fact that I am on a galloping 1,100 pound animal….I could hurt myself! (it’s those moments that make me think I might be a little crazy 🙂 But the freedom it brings is priceless.
I don’t know how you experience freedom. Yes, we live in America and we are granted freedom in a way many people in the world are not, but how do you experience true freedom?
- Maybe you have to free yourself from a relationship that is toxic.
- Perhaps the job you have is sucking the life out of you and finding another one is the key.
- What if you are spending more than you make each month and you have to figure out how to cut back?
Jesus came to this world and died for my sins, and yours. It is more than I can sometimes comprehend. When I truly think about the love that God has for me nothing else matters. Maybe not all the time because I let things of the world get in the way, that is why it is so wonderful that his mercies are new every morning and I get to start over, just like you.
I dreamed as a child that one day I would own horses and ride. My path changed and my journey is very different that I ever imagined. It’s so much better. I may not own horses, but I know Maggie and not only have horses to ride but a friend for life. God has something amazing planned and I am thankful for the freedom it has brought to my life.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Today I Am Thankful For:
- Sage
- Afternoon naps
- Perfect (I mean really perfect) weather
- great boots
- My buddy Maggie 🙂
