Thankful for my Horse

There is an old adage that states “you must get back on the horse that threw you.” 

 

The idiom implies that we have attempted to do something (like create a new habit or shoot for a big goal) and failed.  Sometimes the failure is more frequent than any of us would be comfortable to admit.

 

I have noticed that it takes a great deal of courage to get back on a horse after repeated failure.  If we are to become the people we were created to be however, we must continue to get up and we must keep getting back on our horse.

 

Sometimes I get sick of having to get up and back on my horse – but I am grateful that he is still around!

 

I have found it so common that when people get knocked off a horse once or perhaps a few times, they prefer to simply stay on the ground.  There is an element of humility that comes into play about getting up and getting back on your horse.

 

We sometimes think that if we stop trying to get back on, then there is no way we can get bucked off again.  That is a common fear, but don’t forget that if we don’t conquer that fear then we will simply be choosing to stay on the ground.  It may feel safe down there – but it is and will always be the ground.

 

So what habit must you get back on?  What discipline has bucked you off a few times that you simply need to attack again?  Is it a commitment to your health?  Is it a specific, tangible action you must take in your work?

 

There is no shame in reclaiming an old commitment regardless of how many tries and fails you’ve had.  But there is potential regret in not getting back up and recommitting.

 

Horses are large, powerful animals, but they are also patient and willing toward those who stand ready to re-commit.  Never fear what others may say or think about your re-commitments.  Remember that the horse could care less.  Get back on.