#ThirdYearBestYear is my current hashtag for life. Why? Due to the fact that as of a few weeks ago, I am FINALLY AT MY FINAL YEAR OF SEMINARY. Which is both surreal and feels long over due. There is no hiding that these past two years of seminary have been a challenge for me: spiritually, physically, and mentally. Ask any young adult or adult for that matter that's attempting to juggle adulthood (yay bills!), a full course load, and working. It's an overspilling plate that is both exhausting yet so richly rewarding. While I feel as if these past two years have lasted decades, it mostly appears as if I was just walking on the campus of Emory University to begin orientation with all the other first years. Now, I'll be serving on the orientation leadership to welcome the first years as a senior.
Only recently, though, have I come to understand that a large learning component in my seminary preparations for a life of servant leadership within ordained ministry doesn't take place on a campus or within a church building.
It takes place in a barn on the back of a horse.
While most of me wants to chuckle at the fact that my emerged passion for horseback riding is factoring into my call, as if it's surprising; mostly I shouldn't be shocked. Many facets of my ministry call thus far has been found in odd places or environments. Starting with the fact that I answered my call to ministry in the Capitol. An opposing breeding ground for theologians, many would argue.At my heart I am not bewildered by this fact. But, I've only truly come to recognize and appreciate it in recent months.
Horseback riding is giving me the best leadership tools for having a successful ministry journey.
What!? How!? That makes no sense, Rebecca!
YEAH....that's what I told myself at first.
But truly, it makes sense when I process it.From horsemanship....I've learned how to be comfortable with my own voice. When you're on the back of a 1200 pound animal and you're attempting to get them to listen to you, there isn't room for a timid voice. You've got to assert your authority. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured. Thus, I've learned to project this gain into other leadership roles in my life.
From horsemanship....I've learned there is no room for extra emotions. As someone with anxiety, it's always been a challenge for me to not become overemotional in situations. Although it's become better as I've entered adulthood, it's truly been riding that's propelled me into the controlled emotion zone. Why? Due to the fact that a horse is super sensitive to the mood of the rider. Therefore, you've got to have your emotions in check when you mount that horse. Otherwise, again, you could get seriously injured or just not have the ride you'd intended to have. The horse will feed off of your energy. The same in true for the servant leadership life of ministry. It's important that as I partner with others in ministry, I've got to be emotionally in control. The more I practice that in the ring, the more engrained it becomes in my behavioral pattern. Therefore, projecting into all other areas of my life, again. I am able to better discern when it's wise to be angry or upset, etc. and when it's better to leave it be or let it go.
From horsemanship....I've gained confidence in myself I never knew was possible. As one who has always struggled with insecurity, it's remarkable how much my confidence levels have improved since I began this sport. As you value your own voice and understand the importance of being in control of your reactions, actions, and every little decision - you gain greater appreciation for yourself. Thus, again, projecting into my life outside of the ring.
Horseback riding started as a simple therapeutic exercise to relieve stress from graduate school. What's emerged in the past two years is a sport I'm passionate about. A lifestyle I live. A rhythm my heart beats to. It's where God is helping mold me in some of the most life-giving ways. In order to prepare me to help give life to others out there in the world.
Horseback riding is my escape from the stresses in life, but it's also my teacher. A teacher I wasn't anticipating. But that's the point, right? Isn't that where God and Jesus show up in our lives? Environments or moments or on animals that we had no expectancy for?
The followers of Jesus weren't anticipating their Savior to enter the world in a barn or proceed in on the back of a donkey. They all were surprised! Moses didn't prepare to become a leader of the Israelites, but God showed up in a burning bush to tell him otherwise. God is notorious for showing up in places we never expected. God catches us by surprise, often. Yet, that might be when we best hear what it is God has to say or see what God has to show us. Otherwise, we'd tune God out in the buzz of our every day, busy lives. I'm famous for doing it every day.
My life will be given in servant leadership. A gift I wouldn't have any other way. It's not a life all would chose. But, it's a call I cannot ignore. As I prepare to enter that final year of seminary, I know horseback riding plays a large role in making me a capable, and the best minister I can one day be.
A gift I thank God for every day.
What's your passion that's giving you life today?
