I had a wonderful vacation with my daughter's family. We went to Big Sky Montana over Thanksgiving. It was beautiful and cold. My grandchildren were having the best time in the snow. Me not so much. I am not a fan of cold weather and snow but watching them all play gave me great joy. We had a family of foxes that appeared below our window, and they obviously had become used to human contact and stayed fairly close to the kids when they were outside. One actually sheltered between our condo entrance and the entrance to Becky's in-law's condo. The condo company, obviously aware of the foxes, had a password to the internet warning about feeding them. We mostly obeyed that request, but the kids were fascinated with the beautiful animals. My best day was on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving when we went horseback riding. We had a two-hour trail ride through Yellowstone. I knew that I would have trouble getting on and off the horse because, well, quite frankly, I'm old and not very agile. I am reminded of the meme out there that says, " some people can turn cartwheels, I'm just grateful that I can put on my pants and not fall over." That's me in a nutshell. Becky and Shane got out at the site to sign the paperwork and then Becky came back and told me that they needed me to sign for myself and advise them of my concerns. It concerned me because I was really looking forward to this event. Our two young wranglers were so sweet. I told them that I would have a real struggle getting on and off but once on I was good to go. I have years of experience riding.... 40 years past and knew I was well able to handle the horse. I got teary eyed. I told them that this was likely the last time I would ever be able to ride, and I was going to do it. Caroline, our guide, told me that she would make it happen and give me the best ride possible. Getting me on Mogli the horse was a comedy, but we did it. Caroline looked at me critically and said, you can tell you have ridden. You have good hands, and your seat is good. High praise for me. As we started out in that beautiful park the tears started to flow. We were in a line so no one could see me. I was 24 again. I was able to leap on my Arabian, Copafan's back, without using stirrups. I was agile, quick, and I didn't fall down once a month like I do now. I was back at a time when my whole life was ahead of me. I hadn't made any decisions that would alter my life, good or bad. It was just me and my horses Copafan and Sultan. It was such an incredible and innocent time. I kept wiping the tears away and wishing I had brought more Kleenex. God spoke to me on that ride. I felt him ask me what would I change? I realized that I would change nothing except that I would not stray as far as I had in following the will of God. The tears continued as I realized that I had so many wasted years when I could have been of service to God. I chased the wrong ideals and focused on the wrong things that I thought would bring me happiness. I sinned, as we all do, and didn't give it a second thought. I justified actions that now I would not. The tears continued when I realized that my Savior had been there all the times I failed waiting for me to talk to him again. The cold air and beautiful scenery gave way to the glory of God. And I cried. I have reached the age of 71 and I have so much to be thankful for. God has always been there, a whisper away protecting me from myself. I have been granted a wonderful daughter and son, five glorious grandchildren who make me laugh, a job that I love, a house to come home to, and four of the most spoiled dogs you can imagine. In my mind's eye I can see my mom smiling, not because I am on a horse again, but that her prayers were answered. My tears stopped just before we reached the halfway point. I was so joyful watching our family ride and enjoying the time together. You cannot imagine how full my heart was at that moment. Getting off the horse was easier. Shane just told me to kick my foot out of the far stirrup and fall back and he would catch me. He did. He is another blessing to me in so many ways. I cannot jump on a horse's back without stirrups or ride bareback without falling off, but I CAN let my kids and grandkids know that I love them unconditionally and give thousands of kisses that they tolerate. I can serve my risen Savior in my daily life and show His love through my actions. I can pray and glorify God every day. I can continue to walk through life with the time I have left knowing that I do not walk alone, He is there ready to catch me before I fall, and to show me what I need to do in his name. He is there to heal my heart when it feels broken. I am so very, very blessed.
