Every now and then we just can’t miss. You will hear an athlete say “I was on a roll” or “I was just on fire.” It is a great experience when you realize that you are in the middle of one of those times.
I remember in college basketball when the rim looked so big that everything that I threw up went in. It was exciting. It makes you think for a while that you are on top of your game and no one can stop you. Roping can be the same way. We will say “the roping gods are with us today” or “he brought his ‘A’ game today.” It’s good to remember those times, because there will be slumps when nothing seems to goes right.
A while back, I was on one of those streaks, improving daily. I had placed well or won the last few roping jackpots I had been to. I went to a Round Robin roping that weekend. Round Robin ropings are really laid back and everyone encourages each other to do well. There were an equal number of headers and heelers and every header has an opportunity to rope with every heeler. Runs are not timed, instead points are earned, for each run. A clean horn catch gives the team two points even if the heeler misses. If the heeler catches one leg the team is awarded three points, a clean run is awarded four points with the score for all runs totaled at the end of the day. Everyone has a chance to win even though they may not be having their best day. After many runs that day, in deep sand, I ended up in a tie for second, resulting in a “rope off” which called for two additional runs. After the awards, pictures and reflections on a few runs, we said our goodbyes and headed home.
It was when I unloaded my horse at home that I discovered his swollen hind leg. I remember saying out loud “Oh my God, not now! We have been doing so well.” Suddenly it became clear that I was so into my own progress and the excitement of winning, that I had overworked my horse. Silently he had been working so well, all day, that I had just taken him for granted. What a gift and blessing a good horse is! Without him I couldn’t win anything. I realized quickly that I sometimes treat my relationship with God, the same way. I take for granted the gifts and talents that come from Him. He has created us for success and we act like we have accomplished it all on our own. We fail to realize that He is silently present and working in our life. All that we are, including our next breath, is a gift from Him. Looks, talent, wealth and athletic ability are used by us without regard as to where they come from. God has a passion to bless us, but He wants us to be aware of where His blessings come from and be thankful. To use these gifts without gratitude, is to use them against Him. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says “He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up, in due time.” Whether you think it is luck, talent or blessing, thank Him for it. Allow Him to lift you up and make your life great. He will do it! Enjoy every day that you have to ride and rope. Thanks for your comments and prayer requests.
Contact Kip at kipley3385 @sbcglobal.net.