Stubbornness

Last fall, we went to a rodeo at the New Mexico State Fair. One of the first events had about 30 teenage contestants. Each contestant was carrying a lead with a small length of rope . 20 or so mid-sized steer were released and the teens had to try to wrestle the steer to the ground, fit the lead over the head, and then use the rope to get the steer back to the judges. The first 10 contestants to return to the judges would be given a steer to raise for the 2006 steer showing competition. It was really fun to watch. It looked hard enough to get the steer on the ground… much less to keep the steer there long enough to get the lead over the head. But the thing that really stuck with me was what happened after they had the steer roped. At this point, most of the teens would engage in a tug-of-war to drag the steer over to the judges. They would pull with all their might… the steer obstinately pulling the opposite direction… and only make inches of progress at a time. They would eventually succeed but you could tell it was quite a battle. In the midst of all this, we saw one girl take a totally different approach. After this girl had the steer roped, she tugged a little to maneuver the steer so it was facing the judges. Then she casually walked around behind it, used the end of the rope to give it a couple swats on the rear, and then just jogged behind the steer as it ran straight over to the judges.

I think you can use this as an analogy for a lot of different things. As a parent, I can see myself as the bozo struggling to drag the obstinate steer. As a child of God, I can see myself as the steer not wanting to be led. And as a sinner, I can also see the whole scene as an analogy of my internal struggles. And even if you can't see this analogy applying to anything you are dealing with, at least you will have an upper hand the next time you're wrestling a steer :)

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:11-12

One last little nugget to think about from this rodeo scene - This girl ran her steer right past a couple of other teens who were still struggling with the tug-of-war method. Even so, none of them changed their tactic. They continued to pull with all their might.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob