“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

That is such an inspirational verse. Yet, when you read more of the passage it is even more powerful. This one line is often quoted, seen on t-shirts, tattooed onto people. I find that the preceding two verses really change how Philippians 4:13 is often interpreted…

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13

I know that this is an equestrian blog, and I rarely post anything about my faith, so you are probably wondering what the point of this is. Well, my faith drives everything I do including my equestrian life; and I find that this verse can apply to my experience in the horse world. I have had experience in the “big leagues” I guess you could say, and I have really struggled. The horse world is not a cheap one. It was difficult to go from showing in Ocala and Kentucky to catch riding and working as a groom. I have been off of the ‘A’ show circuit for years, and it really used to get to me. But I have learned to be content. I have learned to appreciate the fact that I am able to ride at all, and own a horse.

That does mean that I  do not still have big goals though. I have come to believe that we can find joy and contentment in life, no matter what our situation. It all comes down to how we look at things. We can choose to be thankful for the things we do have, or we can choose to complain about the things that aren’t so great. Life will never be completely perfect, no matter how much we have, or how many horse shows we are able to go to. There will always be problems. I used to focus more on my problems, and what I lacked, than my blessings – with horses and life. I still have problems, and things in my life that I wish to change. BUT I choose not to focus on them. I choose instead to focus on the things in my life that are great. I even choose to focus more on Chance’s strengths and improvements, rather than the fact that he will likely never be a good show horse. My life is not perfect, but I am content. Being content does not have to mean being complacent though; for I am working to change what I am able to change. I just do not think that I have to be miserable in order to move forward. In fact, choosing to be happy and leaning on Jesus is making it much easier to take the necessary steps to create change in my life. And I know that I can get through any situation, or struggle, because He gives me strength.