Progress

Sometimes we just get tired
Of trudging down our rut.
We want to jump right out
And take a shortcut.

But we've become so comfortable
With all the things we know
That changing what we're doing
Causes winds of fear to blow.

And so we keep on trudging
Down this ditch without an end
Just heading for the light we see
Way up around the bend.

We must be making progress
For the light is growing large.
In fact it's coming faster
So we think it's time to charge!

But then we start to stumble
'Cause the way seems mighty rough.
Now we're crawling on our hands and knees,
The going is so tough.

You think it can't get any worse
And then it starts to rain.
So, you focus on the blazing light
And realize, it's a train...

Ear Him Down!

Back in the time when horses were broken rather than trained, the methods used probably would not have pleased the animal rights groups. The contest between the cowhand and the bronc usually became one of endurance and determination rather than a gentle "getting-to-know-each-other".

Usually the bronc was roped and snubbed (tied, for all you non-cowboy types) to a post. Then the "bronc buster" (cowboy) would have someone "ear the bronc down" while he put the saddle, blanket, and hackamore on the animal. This procedure could get pretty wild at times; hence, "earing him down". What this meant is that one of the cowboys would get close to the bronc, which sometimes was a life-endangering feat, and grab one of the animals ears and twist it. In fact, it was usually twisted and then bitten. While this was going on, another cowboy would put the saddle and blanket on and then the hackamore.

Once the animal was properly accoutered, the bronc buster would climb on his back, the rope would be slipped off, and then finally the one holding the ear would let go. That was when the fun began. From that point on, it was a test between the bronc that wanted to get rid of whatever was stuck on his back, and the bronc buster who intended that he stick there. It was purely a test of strength and will.

Now, the point of all of this is the ear. That ear was the key to the entire operation. By twisting and biting on it, the cowboy was able to distract the bronc long enough for the animal to be saddled and the bronc buster to take his seat. If it wasn't for that ear, the animal would have continued fighting with hoof and teeth and nothing would have been accomplished. The horse would never have been "broken", or trained.

We can all be like that bronc occasionally. Sometimes, something gets hold of us and we just go crazy. I'm not talking about fighting it out, I'm talking about going places in our mind and in our behavior that we wouldn't normally go if we were thinking straight. We need to be distracted from that wrong path to get back to where we need to be. It may take a friend or a spouse to accomplish the feat, but with a little attention and self-training, we can usually do it ourselves. When our mind engages the wrong things, we need to stop and re-focus our attention on the good. It will keep us out of trouble.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." Phil. 4:8 NIV

Out of the Rut

I am learning to play the fiddle (violin). It's a lot like teaching an old dog new tricks. It is taking a lot of patience and persistence.

Finding time to practice is often a challenge. Waiting until late when everyone is in bed is out of the question. The screeching would make it impossible for them to sleep. So, I usually try to get in a few minutes after supper. I know when I'm making a good impression on the household by the sound of the door to the basement closing because that's where they went to watch television and try to escape.

Occasionally some good notes come out. Whenever it doesn't sound like tires skidding on pavement, they are good notes. I cherish those brief moments.

So far, my attempts have been purely by ear. I know that lessons would be a good idea, but with my job it is difficult to know exactly when I will be available on a regular basis to take them. In the meantime, I'll muddle along to the best of my ability.

Most people are hesitant to take up something new at my age. It seems that most of us reach a point in life where we pretty much stick to what we know. The fiddle is a long-term project. I figure I've got the rest of my life to learn it. It's kind of like this blog. Sometimes you've just got to jump in and go -- whether you know what you're doing or not.

Learning the fiddle and starting a blog have both been good for me. I think they are helping to get me out of my rut. We all need something to kick us out of our ruts now and then. It's amazing what's out there in the world when you can see more than just the walls on either side and a tiny light in front of you. It has been my experience that too often that tiny light is on the front of a train.