In thinking further on the subject of No Strain-No Gain, I recall one of our daughters desiring to show horses. Our neighbor, Mr.Dutter, just happened to be an Arabian Judge and took an interest in not only selling us one of his Arabian horses, but to also give our daughter riding lessons.
The whole family was excited and got into the act. We watched our daughter progress in riding, practicng for an hour every night helped greatly. Of course there was pain in muscles, hands, feet and about every part of the body. After a couple of months we thought we were ready for our first small horse show. We had the horse, gear, trailer and costume. As we unloaded the horse, we thought we were very prepared for our first show. Well when the ribbons were handed out, we didn't get one, and were so disappointed.
We went back to Mr. Dutter, our trainer, and he told us we did as much as could be expected for our first show. Now the strain began, he worked one whole month on keeping the heels down, sitting up straight, eyes straight ahead, then holding hands just right. Of course this brought more strain and pain, but we were determined. Another show, another disappointment, last place ribbon. Our daughter got the picture by now that if she was going to be a winner, there was a price to pay.
Mr. Dutter was not one bit disappointed because he knew this was a process. Only a little at a time could be learned, these practices were vital to becoming a winner. Next Mr. Dutter told us we would need to upgrade the costume, and horse. We never dreamed the process of winning a blue ribbon would be so costly in every way. But after a year, one judge saw a winner in the ring, and that winner was our daughter, Tami. When her name was called out for a Blue Ribbon, our joy could not be contained. We had done it! It cost and the strain was almost too much at times, but the Blue Ribbon was the result.
This life is a little like this story, the process of gaining our way into heaven requires commitment, discipline and for some of us the strain of staying on track. But if we take the steps a day at a time in making adjustments, reading and practicing the Word, the Holy Spirit will lead, direct and guide us toward the prize.
The whole family was excited and got into the act. We watched our daughter progress in riding, practicng for an hour every night helped greatly. Of course there was pain in muscles, hands, feet and about every part of the body. After a couple of months we thought we were ready for our first small horse show. We had the horse, gear, trailer and costume. As we unloaded the horse, we thought we were very prepared for our first show. Well when the ribbons were handed out, we didn't get one, and were so disappointed.
We went back to Mr. Dutter, our trainer, and he told us we did as much as could be expected for our first show. Now the strain began, he worked one whole month on keeping the heels down, sitting up straight, eyes straight ahead, then holding hands just right. Of course this brought more strain and pain, but we were determined. Another show, another disappointment, last place ribbon. Our daughter got the picture by now that if she was going to be a winner, there was a price to pay.
Mr. Dutter was not one bit disappointed because he knew this was a process. Only a little at a time could be learned, these practices were vital to becoming a winner. Next Mr. Dutter told us we would need to upgrade the costume, and horse. We never dreamed the process of winning a blue ribbon would be so costly in every way. But after a year, one judge saw a winner in the ring, and that winner was our daughter, Tami. When her name was called out for a Blue Ribbon, our joy could not be contained. We had done it! It cost and the strain was almost too much at times, but the Blue Ribbon was the result.
This life is a little like this story, the process of gaining our way into heaven requires commitment, discipline and for some of us the strain of staying on track. But if we take the steps a day at a time in making adjustments, reading and practicing the Word, the Holy Spirit will lead, direct and guide us toward the prize.
posted by Sharon @ 10:37 PM
1 Comments:
At 8:05 AM,
Anonymous said…
Mom, I remember those good old days. I wanted to get involve with the horses also. Dad would pick me up everyday after school with a root beer and a snickers bar sometimes the horse trailer was attached to the truck. If it was raining or to cold we would go to an indoor ring to practice riding. This was a life lesson you all were teaching us girls.
Love,
Tonya
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