Monday 28 July 2008

I want his eyes and respect!


This past weekend I attended a horsemanship clinic by Clinton Anderson. There were about a 1000 people in attendance. Several horses that had problems were brought into the arena and Clinton discussed how to eliminate the problems then began working with the horses to correct the behavioral issues. Theses were horses he had never seen before. Some horses had fear issues, others were just head strong. He insisted that ground work (working with the horse with a lead rope) is essential before you get on the horses back. He insisted that when the horse stopped that the horse must keep his eyes focused on the trainer. He further went through exercises to teach the horse to respect the trainer - when the horse learned to do well he was assured with approval by the trainer. Almost all horse problems are not really horse issues but handler issues. Once you have their eyes focused on you and gain their respect the problems disappear.

If I don't keep focused on Christ then I start to experience difficulties in my spiritual walk. Christ wants us to focus on him - but He doesn't force us to. Clinton forced the horse to keep his eyes on him. He would pull the horses head toward him when he would lose focus. Clinton took the horse through several exercises to teach the horse to respect his instructions. The horse learned quickly. Horses are amazing animals that learn fast. We tend to ignore spiritual instruction sometimes, we fail to pay attention - and show a lack of respect. Papa needs to keep his eyes focused on Jesus, pay attention and give him my respect so that I can follow him as I should.

22 comments:

CrossView said...

It's always amazing to me to see those parallels between horses and people....

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - There really isn't much difference other than our reasoning skills and communication level!

Indian Lake Papa said...

I particularly like the way a horse responds so quick and that they never forget!

rk said...

This is so, so true. Our pastor reminded us when we are self sufficent we un-invite Him. Our need/requests for Him to be in our lives keep our mind on Him. Thanks for the neat horse story and tying it into Christ.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - we need to invite him into our lives daily! Your comment is well spoken!

Anonymous said...

just knowing that i'm more stubborn than a horse is sobering!
Thanks for the much needed lesson, papa!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Cathi - I am not stubborn - as long as I get my way. I get in trouble because i would prefer jesus follow me, let me lead. My horse Amos has the same trouble - he wants to lead - this week we are going to work on that and try to get his respect.

Anonymous said...

ahhh Papa!!

I'm so used to your writing now I instantly knew where this story was going. ;-) And being used to your writing has helped changed my thinking... I'm noticing little lessons throughout my days now that I never noticed before.

You bless my heart. I love you! You and Mama hug for me! :D

Indian Lake Papa said...

So Brandy - you think I am predictable! lol mama thinks she can predict me as well - heh heh!

Anonymous said...

Papa: I love ur analogies! The Lord has to reign me in as well every once in awhile....Love you bunches and talk with you soon! Hugs to Mama!

Anonymous said...

You pull life lessons together so well from everyday things, and connect them to the Lord..I love that! That is kind of what I try to do...but well you are better at it than me.. shhhhhhh don't tell anyone....

love to you Mama and Papa!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Ms. Deb! Life events that are non-spiritual most always have a spiritual application. I am so amazed at how intelligent horses are and how eagar they are to submit. If only mama would do that! lol

Hi there Darla! I can find applications easy - now applying them is another story!

Life Adapted said...

I am reminded for the second time today that God is the Ultimate Gentleman. Never forcing us to do His Will, but always instructing. Great analogy - Be blessed.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - never thought of it that way - God being the ultimate Gentleman - He really is - especially with that ultimate Grace He has for us!

Carol said...

Good application, as usual!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Carol - Hope you are doing well today!

Robin said...

Papa, Robin needs to do that too.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - like the horse, we tend to be self-sufficient if we can. We really need to put our trust in our Savior. By the way, I dropped your name in my latest comment on Tam's blog.

Unknown said...

i felt Him pull my head toward Himself many, many times. i love that He is so gentle with me. if i had to deal with me...i sure wouldnt be so gentle. He is so very good!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - God is so gentle with us - He really cares for us - it breaks his heart when we refuse to accept him.

Anonymous said...

Reading those prayer cards breaks my heart as well.

"If we could only see a little into their hearts." In creating the Prayer Cottage you are giving these kids the opportunity to show their hearts to you and their God.

Kids can feel so hopeless. With a prayer request they can a least believe that there is someone they can reach out to. There is something to hope for.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed - I am not sure you put your comment where you wanted it to go! :o) I have done that - but you are so right - kids need hope and knowing someone is praying certainly gives them hope!