The Blessings of Love

 Anyone who has been following our story for any time knows that God did not choose to give us an easy walk in life. But through that walk he has showered us with blessings that have changed us and shaped us into who we are and how we believe in his goodness. Whether we are struggling or enjoying good times, I tend to turn to worship music to keep me grounded. Lately I have been listening to two that have touched me.

Blessings by Lauren Story:

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You're near?

And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

Weary Traveler by Jordan St. Cyr:

Weary traveler, restless soul

You were never meant to walk this road alone

It'll all be worth it so just hold on

Weary traveler, you won't be weary long  

The blessings in our life have most often come in the form of people who have touched us and changed us. And I wanted to use my blog today to talk about one of those special people. At the end of the day each one of us need someone in our life who believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. Someone who looks at us and sees greatness when we can't see past our struggles. For the past 18 months that person in Maddy's life has been Tammi. In October of 2020, when we went to our first lesson Maddy was scared and broken. Tammi wasn't even sure Maddy wanted to ride horses. But she quickly saw the desire that was masked by debilitating fear. Tammi made it her mission to help Maddy re-find her love of riding. Tammi spent weeks and months by Maddy's side reassuring her and building trust. She spent nights awake praying for my precious daughter and trying to come up with ways to help her build confidence. It was not easy, but it was a labor of love. I have the privilege of watching this very special relationship three days a week.  I have watched the trust and love grow little by little. I have watched a little girl who used to not be able to speak and avoid eye contact look her coach in the eye and ask for what she needs. I have seen a scared and timid little girl in tears transform into a poised, confident rider. I watch the exchanges between coach and rider. Somedays there is frustration, most days there are smiles and giggles, but always there is love and trust. I watch the high fives, the fist bumps, the praises (even if Maddy often covers her ears). I see a woman who has taught Maddy about hard work and setting goals and being a good teammate.  I watch a woman who has completely changed my child's life with hard work and love and prayers. I thank God every day that God chose to place Tammi in our path.

You see at the end of the day our blessings often do come through raindrops and our healing does come through tears because we were never meant to walk this road alone and God places angels in our life to help us walk on this journey and I could not be more grateful.

Ali

If you would like to support Maddy and Tammi on their next venture to once again compete at the NSBA world show in Tulsa, please click here.