How To Stir Your Inner Lion
I enter the airport, Wyoming-bound, with a prayer . . .
Lord, show me what You want me to see out there.
I’m already picturing myself on the ranch.
The airline app alerts me the flight will be delayed.
Twenty minutes.
Then twenty more.
Then hours more . . .
Finally we board with enough time, barely, to make my connection in Denver.
Another hour later, still on the tarmac, we are instructed to deboard.
“Collect your bags at carousel number 2, go home, check the app for updates.”
I stop picturing myself in Wyoming.
And begin picturing myself filing trip insurance paperwork.
“What would Paul do?” I wonder.
The apostle Paul.
Lion-hearted Paul.
Who, after being beaten with rods, is thrown into an inner dungeon and locked in stocks.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.
(Acts 16:25 KJV)
I try singing praises.
I just can’t.
There’s no song in me.
No heart of a lion.
I’m way too frustrated.
Which is unfortunate, because now I feel like a failure too.
I return to the airport the next day, only half-heartedly picturing myself in Wyoming this time, to try again.
More delays, more frustrations . . . but I end up reaching the ranch.
Late.
But there.
And so my Wyoming adventure begins . . .
The Big Horn Mountain area of Wyoming is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.
Glacial carved valleys, sheer mountain cliffs, alpine meadows, high deserts, canyons.
The first day’s ride is up a mountain.
Straight up.
My horse, Wishbone, is confident.
Even as she trods over rocks that come loose and roll down the dusty path.
I, on the other hand, am nervous.
What if she trips, falls, slides?
Deep breath, Cindy.
And that’s when I notice I’m singing under my breath.
Lyrics I didn’t know I knew.
Wishbone stops.
Turns her head to gaze curiously at me.
Which only encourages me to sing louder.
Come on, my soul
Don’t you get shy on me
Lift up your song
You’ve got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord!
The more I sing, the bolder I feel.
And the more able I am to stop fixating on what could happen, and start being present in what is happening.
A great adventure.
On a solid horse.
In this beautiful part of God’s creation called Wyoming.
I’m all out singing now.
Wishbone’s ears swivel backwards.
I think she likes a mountainside serenade.
Up and up we go.
Steadily climbing.
She has the heart of a lion.
Like Paul.
Never stumbles, balks, or slows.
At the top of the mountain we break for lunch in a meadow.
Wishbone nuzzles me hard.
I throw my arms around her neck and hug her.
Maybe when Paul is thrown into the dungeon he isn’t in the mood to be grateful.
At first.
Until he starts singing.
I hope so.
It makes me feel like less of a failure back at the airport.
Perhaps this is what God wants me to see today.
That singing His praises has the power to calm the fearful or frustrated heart.
And stir the inner lion.
In a dark dungeon, at the airport, in Wyoming.
Or wherever we are.
Come on my soul, don’t you get shy on me . . .
See you in a couple weeks.
Love,
What a wonderful experience, Cindy! Breathe and enjoy every minute!
I sure did! Before I left I was afraid I might have built the whole thing up too much in my mind, but it was even better than I imagined.
Wow! You’re a natural on a horse
Who knew?
See you soon
Maribeth
I really did used to be a natural, but it’s been years since I rode. I was a little worried, but it turned out to be like riding a bike. It all came back. The only difference was that at this age I was a lot more aware of my age!!!
I LOVE THIS! And seeing pictures is so fun!!
I had such a good time swapping Wyoming stories with you! And your dad! Please show him my pictures if you get a chance. I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say about them.
LOVE THIS!!!!! Ride ’em Cindy the Lionhearted one! Praying all the memories celebrate the joy of the wait to finally arrive…
I really did ride ’em, cowboy out there! Wyoming is a whole different kind of beautiful.
What a beautiful testimony about how our attitude changes everything . Let me remember your message this week as we get Charlie’s medical reports.
Praying for you right this minute, Sherrill.
Come on my soul Don’t you get shy on me! Thank you so much for that wonderful illustration of God’s faithfulness! We just need to keep trusting even when we don’t see him working! I love you my friend. I’m so proud that you went all the way out there by yourself! You make me bolder ❤️
I wasn’t bold the whole time, but Wishbone sure was. That girl loved to climb and gallop!
There is just nothing like the Big Sky of Western Nebraska and Wyoming….the big difference being that out of the flat terrain of Wyoming…a mountain range emerges. My Great Grandparents homesteaded in Eastern Wyoming and my trips there are etched into my memories. I’m so glad you stepped out in faith and discovered God’s majesty.
It really is just a whole different kind of God’s beauty out there . . .
Loved seeing/reading this! Thanks for always teaching us how to see God’s message, no matter where we are, and what we’re going through!!
I had so much fun with you today on your podcast! Thank you for inviting me on.
I’d not heard that song before. Thanks for sharing it. It’s a pretty song.
It’s a good one, for sure! I’m not sure if I’ve heard it on the radio, but we sing it at my church.