Musings of a Badlands Ranch Wife

You grow through what you go through. Isn’t this the truth? No, this is not a thought of my own creation- it was told to me by another while I was trying to convince myself to complete a task- one that was definitely not on my top ten list of favorite things. Contemplating this, however, I realized that sometimes this idea of “growing” does not always happen in a manner that we choose. Several weeks ago, my four-year-old mare, Ruby, returned from the trainer with the promise that she was a calm, easy to train “sweetheart” that anyone will be able to ride. I was so excited… finally a horse that was truly just mine and ready to go. Flash forward to a beautiful, 50 degree Sunday afternoon, my son and his family visiting and enjoying time with us at home, when I decide that this will be a good day to get on sweet Ruby. Well, my definition of sweetheart is apparently different than the trainer. My version of sweetheart does not include bucking across the pen and then catapulting said rider (me) in a perfect cartwheel over said sweetheart’s head to land with a splat in the biggest mud puddle one can find. Grow through what you go through…. Hmm.  Several chiropractor trips and a steady relationship with the massage therapist and I think I am finally good to go. I guess that we can add that what you go through might also be a little painful. But I survived… and I did grow. I learned that my mare is not ready for me, and more importantly, I am not ready for her. I will be someday, but for now, I need to let a more experienced rider take over. It was humbling, but a great reminder that I need to be honest with myself and those around me. I was not ready- it was that simple. Growth is not merely a physical act. It comes with our individual experiences, both good and bad, and it will create resilience, empathy, compassion, knowledge, and fortitude within us. Our personal identity is defined through our response to these opportunities. I think that the biggest part of growth is the choices we get to make- – will we crumble and give up? Or will we rise and overcome?  Will we take the lesson given to us and utilize it? Or will we place the proverbial chip on our shoulder and let it fester? My physical pain is better, my damaged ego is on the mend, and my horse is on her way to a specialized trainer in Wyoming. I did grow through what I went through- and so can you.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10