When I was younger, I had a habit of getting excited when leaving a turn and pushing my horse too early. This caused me to “blow out” on the backside of my barrels and end poles. Madison Hoard shared the idea of making posts about common mistakes in rodeo earlier this week, and it got me thinking about this common mistake:
Worrying about the future.
I struggle with patience. I tend to look too far ahead and not enjoy the moment or focus on the task at hand. I obsess over the destination and miss the fun of the journey.
This is exactly what my problem was with my turns. I was too focused on the next obstacle to execute what I needed to on the current one. I would blow one barrel because I was too worried about the next one. This led to slower times and caused my horse to be out of position.
Worrying about the future won’t change the outcome. If it does, it probably isn’t for the better. When I focused on finishing my turn instead worrying about the next barrel, I was faster. I was running more correct. I was accomplishing more. I was enjoying each individual stride.
This applies in everyday life as well. The more I obsess over the future, the less I enjoy the moment I’m in. In the time since then, I have learned to take life step by step. I’ve probably had more fun on the journey than I have at any destination. I even have the Outcast lyric, “You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather,” on a sticky note on my laptop as a reminder. I can obsess and worry about the future, but it won’t change what God has already decided. The only thing I can control is the moment I’m in, and how I embrace that moment.
When asked what the other leaders’ feelings were towards the future, they shared these verses that sum up this lesson beautifully-
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Matthew 6:34
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- Proverbs 16:9
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -John 14:27
✏️Kalli McCoy
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