Confidence

So I realized today during my lesson how much more I get out of everything I learn. I'm really learning life lessons that would take so many more experiences to get what I encounter in just an hour of riding. Working with a two thousand pound animal is no doubt a challenge and every time I step into the stirrups I practice patience, determination, work ethic, diligence, communication, decision making, and so many other skills.

These past few weeks have focused unknowingly in confidence. Last week wasn't our best lesson and we broke a pole in two. This week though I was not about to tolerate any misbehaving and Cheeks really listened and we had a great lesson. As I was sitting there after I was finished and watching the more skilled riders jump higher thats when it hit me how noticeable an affect riding has on my everyday life.

As time has worn on I have become very comfortable in my skin and have taken on leadership roles I never dreamed of. Leading the entire Jr. High and High School in worship every Wednesday during chapel, being the senior class treasurer, co-leading a small group and getting to go on Jr. High retreat have been a huge blessing to my life!

As my partner and I prepare for tennis districts we need a certain level of confidence. We have the skill to beat just about everyone in our league and our record agrees, we just need the confidence to say that it isn't simply a possiblility. We need the confidence to trust ourselves to play the way we know how to and to push ourselves past where we think our limit is.

Confidence is also needed as I head across the country to college. It's needed in every desicion I make, I need the strongest confidence in God to trust that what He says is true and that He will never leave or forsake me.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."