Until I received a comment on my last post, I had almost forgotten that it had been two months since I wrote anything here. I’ve been busy writing in other places (Caroline’s Story is only five chapters away from completion!) like our church blog. Those posts are only 400 words unlike the 500 I usually do here, but I decided to post a few of them here just to keep this place updated. Here’s one:
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. Psalm 16:8
After last week’s devotion, you may not believe it, but I still have my horse. Even after we got off on the wrong foot, we have had fourteen great years together. Despite my MS and leg pain, I still ride him, not only because I love it, but because it is proven therapy for those with MS. I have to have a ladder and assistance to get up on him, but once there, my legs and body receive a great workout without a lot of jarring on my joints and muscles. Still, I don’t keep him as active as he should be. When I first was diagnosed, I prayed about what God would have me to do with Trucker. Shortly afterwards, I heard about a boy who desired to ride and wanted a horse of his own. I invited that boy to come over and meet Trucker. In the last two years, he has spent almost every Saturday morning, grooming and riding Trucker. He learned how to sit in the saddle and where to place his hands. He knows when to discipline and when to praise. He and Trucker have developed a bond that is very moving. Trucker knows when his boy is coming to ride. Sometimes, Trucker gives his boy a difficult lesson. He pulls on the reins and refuses to go where he is directed. He heads for the gate instead of across the field. He fights the commands to turn and runs in the opposite direction. Those are actually the times where his boy grows the most as a rider. When Trucker is being stubborn, I remind the boy to watch his eyes. Despite a firm grip on the reins and a stern correction from the heel, Trucker can sense where his boy is looking. If his boy looks to the right when he wants Trucker to go left, Trucker will go to the right. If he desires to avoid the gate, but looks that direction, Trucker will go straight to the gate. So, I tell the boy to look the way he wants to go, and surprise, Trucker will follow and the lesson ends successfully! Our eyes often lead us to sin. We look everywhere around us and fail to look directly at God instead. If we keep our gaze focused on Him, we follow His lead and stay on the path of life.
Read Psalm 16. What does it mean to make God alone our “portion and cup?” What are the benefits of choosing to make God the Lord of our life? What steps can you take to keep your eyes always on the Lord? Are you walking on the “path of life” or the way of destruction?
So nice to read you have shared your MS with Trucker and the boy. Must have been looking in the Right direction when making these fine choices. Keep those boots on… riding is a spiritual activity!