One word that definitely does not describe me is “spontaneous.”  I like to have a plan.  Even on vacations I like to have a plan.  But sometimes being spontaneous is exactly what needs to happen.

This evening I messaged a friend to check in with her.  I wrote to her, “Jesus told me that I needed to check on you.”  And she responds with, “Let’s go for a quick ride!”  “Well, I need to get Caeleb packed for camp to leave tomorrow, so maybe I’ll just come by for a little visit,” I responded.  And then she comes back at me, “Get your boots on and pack after we are done!”

I couldn’t argue with that.

An hour and a half of “horse therapy” was just what I needed.  It has definitely been a difficult few months but the last few weeks have been especially rough with my depression.  I am finally feeling better and there is something about putting on my boots, and saddling up “Ms. Kels.”

• The smell of my leather gloves.
• The sounds of the cinch tightening and the leather presses together.
• The feel of her mane as I put on her bridle and fix her hair (a girl can’t go on the trail with her mane all messed up :).
• And the feeling of swinging your leg over to find your place in the saddle…ahh….it’s like you can finally breathe.

The cares of the world are gone in an instant when I have the reins in my hands and spurs on my heels.  The clicking sound I make so that Ms. Kels will move a little faster and the “Hut” command I give with nervous energy as she launches into a canter.

There is nothing like it.

Years ago as a little girl, God put a love for horses into my soul.  I lived in an apartment in a suburb of Houston and horses were not exactly a hobby for many.  But that love has stayed with me and it was five years ago that I started riding.  At 43 I began riding and I didn’t realize I would be so in love with getting to know horses.

Horses have saved me more times than I can count over the past five years.

The bonus is that God put an amazing woman in my life who has changed me in ways I never imagined.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. ice
2. notebook dividers
3. the mountains
4. mashed potatoes
5. popsicles