Dirt, Rodeos, and Tenacity

Covered in dust after a long wrestling match with a bull,
the cowboy walked out of the arena after being
cheered by the crowd.

The seconds ticked on and on and on as the cowboy determinedly wrestled the bull to the ground. At last he succeeded and the crowd cheered. He was covered in dust, and his time didn't put him near the top contenders for the cash prize. However, his tenacity and perseverance were admired by the rodeo crowd and his competitors. It certainly impressed me.

This was my first time ever seeing a rodeo. I was supposed to be working. When I was put on-call, Mike and I took advantage and went to the Cecil County Fair in Maryland. It happened to be Rodeo Night. Of course, before we grabbed a seat in the stands, we explored a little bit. Neither Mike or I had any idea what friendly creatures cows are. As Mike stood next to one for a photo, it suddenly licked the side of his face!

Mike goofing around after this cow licked his face!

After getting our fill of the fantastic food that is always available at county fairs: BBQ beef sandwiches, beach fries, and ice cream, we grabbed a seat in the bleachers for the rodeo. It was exciting seeing the riders bearing the American flag go racing around the arena then coming to a sudden stop for everyone to rise and sing the national anthem.

These cowboys made riding galloping horses while
carrying the American flag look effortless.

Next we watched as bucking broncos tried to lose their riders, cowboys leaped off their horses and tackled young bulls, and pairs of cowboys lassoed bulls in a race against the clock and other competitors' times. It was such fun to watch and cheer them on! I was wondering how one trains for a rodeo. It seems like it must take a lot of practice and falls and getting up again. Isn't that like life? At least for me it is.

That cowboy I mentioned at the beginning is a picture of inspiration to me. He stuck with it and didn't stop until he succeeded. No matter what you're wrestling with, don't give up. The struggles make us stronger and better if we let them. God can use anything and everything to shape us. After hearing bad or sad news at times I've heard someone mention "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose", but I always think they need to go a bit further and include the next part, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son." (Romans 8:28-29)
What a great design! God has great plans for you and me.
                                                                                                                              ~ Sarah

If you'd like to see some more photos from the rodeo and other random places, check out:
http://sarahriddle.zenfolio.com/p1023182448