A Case of the Barn Sour's

Over Easter Break I had the opportunity to go horseback riding.  Something that has become few and far between since I have been a student at State.  This is very evident when my efforts in training prior to State are not evident now.  My horse, affectionately named Dixie, always seems to find ways to try my patience and challenge my will to ride.  For instance, over Easter break I saddled up to go for a ride.  Well as I was in mid air saddling up with a leg in the stirrup and swinging my leg over, Dixie decided she wasn't ready.  I immediately got grounded...or so you could say.  After a few crow hops and a brief walk to work out the kinks in my back I gave it another go.  If there's one thing I learned growing up around horse's it's that no matter how hard it hurts you've got to get back on.  Otherwise the horse has figured out how to handle you.  

After a bumpy start I had a lovely ride.  However, it has become evident that my horse is suffering from a major case of the barn sours.  The barn sours is when a horse becomes accustomed to the same trail as they ride their focus is getting back to the barn and not on where they are going. The first part of the ride is spent trying to get them to leave the barn. Then you will spend the next part of the ride fighting them as they wish to go back to the barn, where they know they are safe and can go untethered.   On the course back they often will get in a hurry and in the case of Dixie gallop their way back...she especially likes to do this on her own...aka without me on the back.  See my frustration.  

Tonight I was sitting here thinking about this and I realized that I'm guilty of the very same thing.  I know God has places for me to go and things for me to do but at times I feel too safe right here at the 'barn' that I don't want to go anywhere else.  As I prepare for my summer adventures (which will be very close to plenty of horses and barns) I am feeling excited and nervous all at the same time.  I'm excited for the new things I'll see on the 'trail' but nervous about how the 'ride' will actually be.  I hope that I don't let a case of the barn sours keep me from experiencing all that is in store.  

So as I continue to prepare myself for not only this new adventure but everything else in my life I am reminded of The Great Commission.  For how can we go if we won't even leave the barn.

"Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." ~ Matthew 28:19-20