My family and I spent some time at the ranch this afternoon.  We groomed the horses, picked their feet, put on their saddle, and away we went on our trail ride.  My entire family was able to go on this trail ride today, and we had the absolute best time!

We started out on pretty flat land, then went over some unstable ground.  It was at that time that my youngest daughter struggled to get her horse to cooperate.  The horse went into a trot, and all she could do was hold on at that point and try to enjoy the ride.  She’s okay, and this did not scare her at all as her heart is 100% into these horses.  It did get me to thinking this afternoon, though.

There are times in our lives when we go along just fine, and it is smooth sailing.  We don’t seen to have a care in the world.  The sun brightly shines down upon our lives with rays of sunshine pouring over us.  It is at those times that we are smiling widely, breathing easily, and enjoying life to the fullest.

At other times, though, we are forced to walk over rough terrain.  We stumble.  We have a hard time keeping our footing as we attempt to dodge obstacles in our way.  We give it all we’ve got, but truly there are times when we just have to hold on tight to God above!  Just like when you’re riding a horse and they break into a trot, your only options at that point are to let go of the reigns and tumble to the ground OR hold on tight to the reigns and enjoy the ride!

One thing I know for sure is that if you hold on tight to God during these hard times, He will see you through them.  Trust that what the saying says is true about if God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.

Call on Him, but not just in times of trouble.  God wants to hear from you when you’re struggling, when the storms are crashing in, when the world has you on an emotional roller coaster ride, and when you’re holding on tight to the reigns as things in your life blaze out of control.  God ALSO wants to hear from you when times are good, when you’re happy, when you’re celebrating, when you’re grateful, and when you’re overflowing with all of the goodness that God has provided for you.

Stop and thank God for all of the many blessings that you have in your life right this minute.  You have so much to be thankful for, sweet one.  We have a tendency to take so much for granted.   Take time out now to thank God for the biggest blessings in your life – mine being my children – right on down to the smallest blessings of today – enjoying a piece of dark chocolate Dove candy.

Thank Him.  Praise Him.  Adore Him.  Love Him with your whole heart.

And then, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!