The Trail Ahead

When I bought my horse, Ace last year, the sellers told me he was a trail horse. He came pretty cheap and seemed like a sweet guy, so thought I would give him a try on the ranch. It wasn't long before I realized that Ace truly was a trail horse. Whenever we rode out to check cows or take a ride, he would search for a trail and when he found one, would walk right out like he knew where he was headed. Whenever he couldn't find a trail, he would wander a bit and be rather tentative like he wasn't sure where he was going. If there wasn't a trail to take, Ace preferred to follow another horse rather than be the one who led the way. Both Ace and I don't like surprises, so I understand why he likes a clear path.

I began thinking about how there are many different type of trails one can take on the ranch and in life in general. In fact, trails provide a great analogy for many different types of life situations. Trails are generally a path left by someone or something that has walked that route several times and now leaves a mark of where one could or should go to get some place easier. Ace and I both like trails because they serve as a guide to where one should go and provide some sense of security that you are headed the right direction. I particularly like the trails where I can see mountains or ride by the water and appreciate a sense of peace and calm. Ace and I are not fond of the trails that are covered over by brush because things can fly up or jump out and get you.

As in Life, there are many different roads or trails we can take. Some trails are easy to follow and make us feel at ease. We rest assured that we know where we are going and what lies ahead. I tend to look for the easy and well worn trails as I am not fond of uncertainty or the unknown. I try to be adventurous and embrace new situations that are unpredictable, but deep down I like to know what is going to happen. Like Ace, when I feel confident at where I am headed, I step right out and go for it. On the other hand, if I don't know what's ahead I get this uneasy feeling in my gut and drag my feet a bit. I tend to worry about what's next and how I might need to adapt and change due to the circumstances.

Unfortunately, right now our world is in a state of uncertainty as this pandemic is wreaking havoc on what we all knew as our "trail ahead". We are now charting new paths and having to adapt and accept what we are being told to do. Although this is not comfortable and often feels downright frustrating, we all move forward doing the best we can to create a new path. The one thing I know for sure is that I am so grateful that my God knows exactly what is next and is in complete control. He is not surprised by all that is going on, nor is he worried. I just need to quit trying to find my own path and follow him more closely. I need to rely on his sovereignty and power in this crazy world and trust him rather than worry. When I am fearful of the next path I need to take, it is critical that I lean in and draw on his perfect peace and rest. Then when the path is unclear, he will guide me and keep me on the right trail ahead.

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