"Ride"

There is no better feeling, 

Than a-horseback sure and gone,

And if you’ve been too busy,

You know it’s been too long.

Why is it those who love it,

Find it hard to take the time,

Can’t let go of the routine,

Though things will run just fine,

Without us if we’d do it,

Just saddle. up and go,

We think about it often,

I’m telling what I know.

The horses in your pasture,

Aren’t there just for looks,

They are made for riding,

Not just pictures in some book.

Call ‘em in and slip a halter,

Load ‘em, bring some feed,

Throw your stuff together.

You’ll find just what you need.

You need to see some country,

Maybe even stretch your twine,

Be surprised how much it helps you,

When you leave the stress behind.

And, no, I am not talking,

To the ones who ride each day,

That’s how they make their living,

And you often hear them say,

That a break in town’s what’s needed,

And not be off the grid,

And goodness knows I understand,

Why anybody did.

But most of us aren’t out there,

Nearly long enough,

And when we can’t get to it,

The livin’ can get rough.

Even the Good Lord rested,

Twas on the seventh day,

And it was for our benefit,

Stop work and get away.

So get gone to the country,

There is no guilt for that,

A-horseback with blue sky above,

That peace is where it’s at.

“Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, NLT)

Being still is a challenge. That’s because most of us live at a frenetic pace. It is only in contemporary times that we measure time and our schedules this way, enslaved to the smart phone by which we function. Slowing down and getting away is very beneficial. Even Jesus led His disciples to come apart and rest awhile. And it’s not just for people who love to ride horses, but everybody! Disconnecting and unplugging is necessary to prevent burn-out. But beware. We can experience withdrawal anxiety, which makes it even more obvious that a sabbath rest is needed. Come apart, so you can go forward with energy.

Lord, help us learn to be still and acknowledge You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Don Weller, donwweller.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless you.