Last fall, I had one of those rides where it felt like I was doing everything right—engaging my outside leg, lifting my outside rein to steady the shoulder, and directing with my inside rein. My horse kept bracing, leaning out of the circle, and before I knew it, we were veering off track, heading straight into the trees. I took my eyes off where I wanted to go for just a second and I found myself inches from the tree trunk…..multiple times. Frustration and embarrassment built as I fought to get the correct pattern only for things to become harder and messier.

There are so many parallels here to our spiritual journeys – I’m sure you could stitch your own scenario in here.

How often do we set out on the right path, equipped with the tools and intentions we think we need, only to find ourselves bracing against life, getting sidetracked, and suddenly in the “trees”? To be stuck in a loop that we can’t seem to disengage from? When you can’t see the forest for the trees as they say.

In these moments, it’s easy to feel disheartened and embarrassed, especially when we keep ending up off track. Every misstep offers a chance to reset and look forward again, grounded in the reminder to shake the dust off your boots and move on.

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we take our eyes off Jesus, even for a moment, we can start veering off track. We can start to lose trust in Him and try to take control back. We get entangled in the fear and feel like those around us are frustrated that we are making the same mistakes over and over.

Despite my efforts to not end up in the same place, I seem to be pulled back into it time and again. This pattern of anxiety -> speeding up -> frustration -> burning out -> resetting.

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 (NIV)

The fact that I am continually finding myself back on this cycle means I can’t do it alone.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

I need Jesus to work through me in order to see change. My eyes need to be continually set on Him. As I work to be present, to take time to breathe and ground, to build self-awareness, develop discipline, and to stop and check in with God throughout the day, it may take several resets. And one day, I’m going to look back and realize I’m not stuck in the same cycle anymore. I’ve grown.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

After what seemed like several attempts, and increasing frustration, I got a win by staying truer to the pattern, though it was far from perfect. Between my detours into the trees and my horse’s unexpected trip, I left the lesson:

Discouraged and a little broken.

Far from my dream.

Wondering how I’m going to show up for the next lesson.

Yet, I am grateful. I stayed in the saddle, and I walked away without a scratch with God’s protection. Sore, but still standing. And sometimes, that’s the victory.

Sometimes, courage isn’t just in getting it perfect but in showing up, adjusting, and pressing on. This lesson was a reminder to keep my eyes fixed where I want to go. The road isn’t always smooth, but each misstep is a chance to realign and ride forward with faith.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Grace and peace to you!

Jo