There are as many ways to train horses as there are breeds. Different training for different breeds, disciplines, and events. But with all those differences, all seem to have the same fundamental steps in the beginning. They may appear different but all involve building relationship and trust.
It's no different here at the ranch. Most of the horses are used in the Cowboy Up for Christ program for the kids to ride. Others are for adults and more trail time. No matter the purpose, they are started in the round pen with the same fundamentals.
No matter the future use of the horse in the pen, the purpose of the time is to start a foundation for the horse to gain a trusting heart. Then gain a peaceful mind to build relationships on. Finally, through all the work they become sure footed to be ready for the work to be done outside of the pen. Throughout the process there are ups and downs, times of struggle and success. Even the smallest tries are rewarded and ultimately they look to the trainer for direction through trust.
With all the time put in at that point, they are ready to step out and take their new role. Horse and trainer are both ready to take on the world. Later all the distractions and time in the world lead back to the round pen to refocus the horse's relationship back to his trainer. As a trainer, at first this may seem like something must have been left off in the original training but the horse's time with other horses, riders, and experiences can pull them away from that original relationship.
Our relationship with God is no different. Church is our roundpen. It's our refresher from all the distractions outside the pen. Time to run through the fundamentals that we may have stepped away from while out of the pen. We all need it after the distractions of the world. Time to let God rebuild our trusting heart to allow Him to work through us. There he can give us a peaceful mind to deal with struggles. Going through the fundamentals around others will make us sure footed to step outside to work for God, our trainer for the rest of the week.
Just like the horses, we need it to be effective and serve the role that we were created and trained for. Let's not forget that to be effective and ready to fulfill the calling that has been placed on each of us we need to step back into the roundpen as often as possible.
At the beginning all the colts look outside the pen and can't wait to get out into the world but slowly begin to settle and focus on the fundamentals that we run through. After some time in the world and all it's struggles, they seem almost relieved to step back into the pen and get away from the world. They now quickly focus on the trainer at the center of the pen. They do not seem interested in the anything outside the pen and are more at peace there than anywhere else.
I was fortunate to be raised in church. Just like the pen, in the beginning I couldn't wait to get out into the world and do it my way. Had the same challenges and wrecks when I walked out into the world. Now, I look forward to the time back in church. It's my therapy from the world and my time to focus on my trainer and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Spend more time in the pen and when times are , focus on the ultimate trainer and he will reward you for the slightest try. Just give it your all and do what you've been trained to do.
- add any thoughts or scriptures you might have to comments. We would love to know your thoughts. God bless you.
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