Horse Camp

I have spent this week helping out with horse day camp at my boarding stable. With the owner out of town and one of the teachers out for a knee replacement, they needed extra bodies. Today (Friday) the campers dolled their horses up in braids, bows, and ribbons and demonstrated for parents what they have learned this week. What a journey it has been since Monday! Each camper navigated the pattern today with confidence and success, even the ones who were tearful with fear on day one. Each introduced him/herself and told a bit about the horse s/he had ridden for the week. Everyone finished with a big smile of satisfaction and pride of accomplishment.

I wonder if we appear to God this way as we try to mature into our faith. I wonder if God delights as we master a prayer practice or grow into a ministry.  I wonder if God smiles when we act more Christlike, even if just for a fleeting moment. 

My granddaughter, Sadie, got in a hurry and flubbed her emergency dismount at the end of the pattern. She kept her foot in the stirrup too long and tumbled clumsily to the ground as her saddle rolled to the (patient) horse's side. The instructor pointed out for the crowd that Sadie's experience was exactly why we practice the emergency dismount for those times when we need to bail in a hurry. She re-fitted the saddle, Sadie climbed back aboard, and executed a perfect dismount, to applause all around. I was able to tell Sadie I was even more impressed that she persevered than if she had nailed it the first time. I hope and fervently believe we get that kind of acceptance of our flaws from our loving God. How much it must mean when we dust ourselves off and keep trying on spiritual matters!

Lord God, look with your merciful eyes on our clumsy attempts. We want to please you. We want to discern your will. We want to walk the path you have chosen for us. Give us the courage to persevere and to keep trying when we fall into sin, hurt someone we love, or otherwise fall short of your ideal. Help us forgive ourselves and others as you have forgiven all of us.

Amen