“Check him--give him a half halt if you need to,” my instructor reminded me. I quickly pulled back on my reins, then released to complete the half halt. Ringlets of dust were left imprinted in the dirt with each step he made as he slowed his trot down. The horse I was riding, Harry, is commonly referred to as “Harry--the horse in a hurry” in my family. He lives up to this nickname as he would love to take his riders for a gallop every second of horseback riding lessons. He’s a little pony with a never-ending tank of energy. With a lot of dedicated work and patience, I can get him to slow down. Eventually, his head will lower, his shoulders will relax, and his trot will slow into a comfortable gait. When he slows down, he seems to be enjoying himself more. Slowing down and waiting isn’t something that comes naturally to my little Harry, but it’s certainly something he’s capable of doing.
Aren’t we often like this little pony? We rush through our day, checking items off our list, only to write more items on the ever-growing list. Somehow, through it all, we miss spending time to slow down. We miss spending time waiting on God and being willing to listen to Him. I know I’m certainly guilty of this. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." As you rush around trying to find the ‘perfect‘ valentine’s gift for your loved one this year, remember to be still and wait for the Lord in the midst of busyness.
Kayla Joy
