Reality At The End of The Rope....

It is interesting to me how the horse's purpose in our world has changed over the years.  Once used mainly for work and transportation, in our civilization today their purpose is quite different, instead fulfilling the needs of people in the ways of relationship, hobby, sport, and even therapy. Several of the horses at Tyson's Corners have ended up here because of a very common situation in the world of horses.  A change in their purpose.  More often than not it seems that our biggest problem in working with horses is that we don't share their mind or buy into their true purpose. Other mentalities capture us, and we expect them to fit into our perceived purposes.  We create a box unto which to fit them into. And then when we cannot fit them into that box any longer we become overwhelmed with the results we created by trying to put them into that box.  The box could be dreams or goals, but for certain that box will change as we accept our own realities, as well as the reality of our horse. 

Most of my days consist of working with horses who got off a path and somehow found their way to Tyson's Corners for refuge or a fresh start, out of the box they had once or even many times been put into. Their lesson plans consist of the same things....trusting again, maybe finding the ability to relax in relationship with a human again, or even for the first time.  Everyday as I stand in the middle of the round pen at the end of a 22 foot long line, and ask them to just breathe, slow down, connect with me, trust the feel of my energy, my hands on the rope that connects them to me, I think about God.  I ask the horses to yield to my touch on the rope, to the sound of my voice, the change in my body, to my care and love for them and their purpose. As I ask this of my horse so does God ask this of me...and oh how He thankfully does it with so much more patience, mercy, and grace for me.  He also asks me to look at His horses with eyes of reality, what they are bred to do, what their temperament is suited for, what their own life experiences have conditioned them to do.  Because that is their reality, and therefore must be mine as well.  Realities can at times be extremely hard. Whether they are realities of our selves, of loved ones in our lives, the state of our relationships, finances, professions, or even our horse, they are not always easy to face.  Throughout the Bible we read stories of real people facing real and very difficult realities.  We also read the words of God telling them and us, "Do not fear...slow down...connect to Me...listen for My voice...trust My hands at the end of this rope with you...you are where you are because this is part of your reality and your purpose.  Have Faith."   

 His Teaching Cues:
 What is the box in your life? The mentality you are believing in?

What is the reality God is leading you into or holding space in with you?

Are you giving Him your faith in His ability to be at the end of the rope with you?
 
"Therefore, I urge you, sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-which is your spiritual worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will". ~ Romans 12: 1-2
 
"But my eyes are fixed on You, O Sovereign Lord; In You I take refuge..."
 ~ Psalm 141:8

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
 

 For more encouragement read Psalm 139.