Rhythm, timing, technique and leverage. This is what it takes to be successful. It late Saturday night, I am feeling lucky, so I move in close, grab a hold and prepare to hold on. The chute opens, the flag is raised and the chute dogging begins. Chute dogging is what ranchers would do to lay a steer down that they might either brand or treat one of their cattle. You can teach a dog to sit, stay and lie down, but not a cow. This one I had a hold of, out of the chute turned to its right, and as I went to lay it down, kept turning. So I laid it down, over and across my chest. With a feeling of success, I relax, but too soon and the steer pops up. "too early, your gonna have to do that again" the caller says over the speakers. So We do it all over again, only the second time goes a little slower, but is none-the-less just as effective. Rob, the church member that encouraged me to do this, his time was around 3 seconds. His sisters boyfriend, Bill, a little over 5. My time, over 24 seconds. Rhythm, timing, technique and leverage, this is what I was told it took. I think there is a little more than that. Experience, seeing it done at least once before and practice. These three are elements I did not have in my favor.

    Hear the Good News, when it comes to facing new things, especially those things God might be calling you to do, He will equip you. Jesus, as he sent out the Seventy, two by two, did so not without preparation or plan, but after training and prayer. Do not over look these seventy as people without gifts either. These were disciples, followers of Jesus. They watched as Jesus worked, listened as Jesus taught, and I believe, heard that inner voice from within their heart calling them to also serve God through ministry. Believe the Gospel when it says all are called to ministry, our task is to determine and understand what type, and to then follow that calling. As for Chute-dogging, I don't know that it is my calling, but I will get better in time. I may not win a belt-buckle, but I win because I will get better. 24 seconds will not be my best time.

Prayer:  

    Gracious God, You call, You train, and You prepare us. What You call each of us to might be different, but it is none-the-less important and vital. As I begin to understand and get a grasp of all that You are calling me to do, please Father, equip me and prepare me to do my best. I want to make a difference, and I think I can make a difference, if not in at least one other person. Thank You for what You have given me and inspired me to do, let me be faithful. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.