Riding for Jesus

As many of you know, I love to ride horses.  I am best at having them run.  Friday it was cool and crisp, but sunny.  A perfect day for riding!  My instructor was a new fellow, but I like him.  He was waiting for me when I arrived like he could not wait to start.  He is a combination of strict and gentle.  He let me run that horse a lot.  He said most people never get the rhythm of running a horse, but my body just knew what to do.  How many times has that been said about me?  “Never” would be a word that comes to mind.  I struggle with balance and coordination and spacial awareness.  These do not add up to a body that naturally knows what to do on a running horse.  However, that instructor was not just being polite.  He was looking at me with admiration and with awe.  He had me run the horse more than usual.  I think it was because he delighted to see me ride.  It felt good.  I was really happy. 

As I have thought about this I realize that the God who made me and made this horse instilled that rhythm in us.  He prepared us for this.  I have gained the admiration and respect of this trainer.  God set it all up even before I was born.  Now I must be faithful to God’s call.  I must be steadfast in the work of not only delighting this young man with my riding skills, but also showing him the path to delight in Jesus.  How will I do this?  I will be obedient to God.  I will consciously strive to reflect the love of Jesus at every lesson.  I will be a Christ follower who is submitted to my task.  Most important I will be a channel for God to offer His miracle of redemption to this man.  That is even more exhilarating than running on a horse!