Many transitions have occurred in my life in the past month...transitions that leave me wondering what God is doing. As I sat at my barn today watching storm after storm roll in, I began to think of my horses. Leading is such a basic but essential skill and exercise. It is usually one of the first exercises I start with and with it I begin a language of honor, respect and trust.
With horses there are three leading positions, each with a different communication of dominance.
The first is right out in front. This is the place of utmost dominance. Every horse learning to lead and accept a leader should begin with the leader out in front almost dictating every step. This instills an understanding of safety and respect and begins the language upon which communication can be built on with leaps and bounds.
The second is from the girth area back.This position is the place you find many Mommas taking with their little ones as they explore their world. It is a position that gives the leader dominance without taking away the independence. It gives the one being led an opportunity to learn and start to grow into themselves without crossing boundaries to far. This is where immense learning takes place.
The third is at the shoulder area. This puts the person in the least dominant position. I rarely see two horses take this position. The only time I really have seen this is when two horses are grazing...usually they are fairly equal horses and each have positioned themselves to another horse in the herd. When a person places themselves in this position, they have placed themselves "under" the dominance of the horse. In my opinion, this position should be taken very rarely and with caution.
As I thought about these leading positions with horses, I felt in my spirit how God takes different positions with different people and at different times in each of our lives. I hear people be critical of someone for being too reliant on God. "Can't they think for themselves. God made us to use our brains." Other times I hear more criticism. "They just think they have it together and don't need God."
In my time of transition, I know God is with me and is GOOD. I have chosen to join Him in the middle of the round pen so many times and heard His quiet voice and come to understand His language with me. But He has taken a new position with me...and just as the horse becomes confused and sometimes fearful as I transition to a new leading position, I am feeling a little lost. I look around for Him. I ask Him what this new perspective on His communication means. And I try. And He is patient and kind, using that same quiet voice. Assuring me it is still Him who leads, no matter what.
If there's one thing I'm learning about God, it is to never be surprised by Him or judge someone else's experience of Him...unless in contradicts Jesus and the scripture. He is so beyond our comprehension and meets each person where they are in such unique ways...but always in TRUTH.
When I change into a different leading position, it is because I know the horse is ready for another step...a step that will bring growth. God knows you are ready for another step...He will re position Himself and this is GOOD.
