RIVER RIDGE RANCH RULE #2
In keeping with the theme of expect the unexpected, Shane shows up a few hours earlier than the scheduled itinerary, waking the men up for their first adventure of the day. After an amazing night of horseshoes, great food and conversation, the men went to bed "expecting" to wake up to a hot shower and a nice buffet breakfast in the lodge.
Little did they know Clint, Jack's ranch foreman, had the horses saddled up and waiting for them by the barn in the dark.
Once again, various reactions from the four men who had come to the ranch this weekend each looking for something to change in their lives.
The second lesson they needed to learn was:
KEEP RIDING UNTIL THE SUN COMES UP
In other words, in every life situation you have a choice to operate out of faith or fear.
Jack and Shane, who had been through this event seven years earlier, Clint, the ranch foreman, along with Nick, Stan, Cody and Reed, the four men invited for the weekend, ride off into the dark along the rivers ridge.
It is quite the adventure with the men expressing their fears in a variety of ways. Some fell into silence, another chose anger to deal with their issues, while one chose to figure out how to "enjoy the ride". That is the secret!
They eventually make it across the valley to a large Colorado ranch where they enjoy a campfire breakfast like the old cowboys did back in the late 1800's.
While by the fire, once again great conversations, a lot of fun banter along with the second lesson which is about riding in spite of fear. Faith is taking that step without the assurance of where it might land.
Here is a little snippet of from the book while they were sitting by the campfire:
Shane joined in, saying, “Seven years ago, Jack helped me figure out who I was, and that led me to a dream of what I wanted to do. As I dreamed and strategized, the overriding emotion I experienced was massive fear. All I could think about was how high the mountain was I had to climb. I had a plan, but each day the world tried to talk me into giving it up. Choosing faith over fear is a daily decision. I’m going to share more of that process later today. I just want you to know I’ve been where you are. There is a way to slay the giant.”
Jack, seeing an opening to push this topic further along, jumped in. “What Shane just described is the gap between certainty and uncertainty. That is where the battle always happens. As a Christian, I see faith as one of the core values of our team. When you decide fear is no longer an option, then you focus on how to walk in faith. Faith is a decision, not an outcome.
We can’t determine most outcomes. What we can control is our response. Even the heroes of the Bible didn’t always see the outcomes or rewards. That takes us back to the gap between certainty and uncertainty. That’s the valley we must cross in every decision. We all want positive outcomes for our faithful stands in life. The fact is, in this fallen world, some things won’t get squared away on this side of heaven."
The campfire had gone from flames to glowing coals and embers. Jack knew that sometimes less is more. All he was hoping to do was plant the seed. It would be up to them to water and grow that seed into a sturdy oak.
As he wrapped it up, Nick asked, “Jack, I hope it’s okay, but I’d like to ask a question."
“Of course, what is it?”
“You’re helping us try to figure out what we are all afraid of. Would you share what you are afraid of?”
Jack turned thoughtful.
“I’ve been waiting for that question. Thanks for being brave enough to ask.” Taking a deep breath, Jack said, I’m afraid of the process of getting old. I’ve watched a lot of my friends go through it. For some, it’s a rapid decline, for others more gradual. If I’m not careful managing my thoughts, I can drift off wondering if Lonestar outlives me or I outlive him. Then I wonder about what day is the last day I might ride or the last day I’ll be able to host one of these weekends. I think about sitting on the porch, watching others run the ranch and becoming insignificant. My biggest fear is leaving this ranch and finishing in a room in an old folks’ home.
And as you all know, I came very close to it all ending very abruptly a few months ago. I was so worried about growing old that I never considered I could be gone in one moment. So now I stay in the now—no more looking back at what ifs and no looking forward to what might happen. I’m so thankful to be here with you guys right now. It was actually a very freeing experience."
After letting those comments linger, Jack turned to Stan, “What do your kids do when they’re afraid?”
“They run to find me,” he answered.
“Exactly! And that’s what we all need to do. Run to dad. In those moments of doubt immediately turn to Him.” He pointed up. “He’s gonna say. ‘I’m proud of you. You got this. Go jump again. I’ll be there.’ When we choose faith, we are choosing to go all in on Him. We are believing in His character, His strength, and His word, not ours. That type of faith makes Him smile.
Choosing faith is obedience. You don’t need evidence, and in fact, many times it’s going to result in a negative outcome. A godly choice in a fallen world could create a conflict with a coworker, difficulty with a boss, or financial loss because of your integrity. God sees that. He knows the price you paid to please Him. Focus on that. Focus on the fact you jumped.”
Jack stood up, stretched his legs, smiled and finished, “Well, let’s get you all back to the ranch so you can shower up. I promise no more big surprises for the day.”