This past summer I was invited to give a motivational/inspirational talk just before the roping began at a local jackpot. I had recently heard several of the pros like Tyler, Jake, Clay O, Allen, Walt and even some of our local coaches talking about balance. I had been really concentrating on the concept of being balanced in the stirrups before taking my shot at either end. I could understand the need for balance not only for myself but for my horse as well.
Throughout the roping that day many of the ropers were using balance as an excuse for missing or catching. It started to become comical as one would miss and say "I must have been off balance" or if they made a good catch say "I must have had my balance right, huh Kip?" Of course, when I missed I heard that my balance must have been messed up, or "you better work on your balance." I was really happy not to have fallen off, it would have been crazy. It was all in good light-hearted fun, though, bantering back and forth making that warm Saturday enjoyable. At the end of the day the buckle winner who roped very well all day long came up to me and said, "Hey Kip, here’s my idea of balance!" I looked up to see that he was celebrating his win packing two long neck Budweisers, one in each hand. I had to admit as several around me began to laugh, it really was pretty hilarious. In theory, he was right and I believe he had listened to the talk I had given on balance for sure!
The balance I was talking about however, in reality was not just in the saddle but a balance in this walk of life. I see a lot of frustrated, misdirected people looking for meaning and purpose in their life. It’s been said the definition of insanity is "Doing the same things over and over again, expecting different results." Are you living the same way day after day wishing things were different?
Jesus said "I have come so that you will enjoy life and live it in all its fullness" (John 10:10). Are you living that kind of life? You can, call on Him today, repent of your sin and let Him begin to live His life in you. I promise you, it will be a great "balanced" ride. Don’t settle for less than God’s best for you. You can begin this new year riding for a new brand. Rope great, stay in the middle, laugh a lot. For questions, comments or prayer requests, contact Kip at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.