“Indeed, the very hairs on your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7

You are valuable. God knows you, and loves you for exactly who you are. Your worth is not in external things. Your value is not determined but how you look, the horse you ride, your job, your relationship status, how clean your house is. Your worth comes from God. He knows your heath and soul. To Him, you are valuable!

Do you know how valuable you are?

We live in a society that values external things. Our society tells us that money, accomplishments, and material possessions are what we should be striving for. Even the horse world places so much emphasis on who’s winning at all the horse shows, and who has the nicest horse. But do ribbons truly define us as horse people?

I often feel down on myself because I am not on the show circuit, and because I don’t have a fancy horse. But I have learned through my riding struggles that shows, fence height, and nice horses don’t make one a good rider. Hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn are what make one a good rider. Developing a gentle way with horses is how one can become a good trainer. Your work ethic, and way with horses, are valuable – even if you don’t have the ribbons to show for it. This is a tough sport for many of us, but I think we need to recognize that shows and status are not all that matters.

How you treat people matters. Maybe you don’t have a fancy job title, or a lot of money, but being kind to the people around you matters. Holding a door open for a stranger matters. Showering you family with love matters. Your character matters. All of that matters more than your bank account! You matter!

Let’s stop getting so caught up in external, material things, and focus on the things that truly matter! Instead of getting down on yourself about what you don’t have, focus on the things that you are doing well – and on who you are as a person. Who you are is more valuable that any amount of money, or fancy show horse!