Jump for Jump

Early in the bull riding Crusade of my son, Ryan, he made the comment, “Dad, it’s really pretty simple. You just stay in the middle of ’em and ride ’em jump for jump.”

At the time, we were sitting in a Truck Stop across the Interstate from the Horse Palace, where Ryan was waiting for his turn to ride. I was sipping on my coffee and Ryan was stirring his hot chocolate.

The cafe was noisy from the farmer and trucker banter, and distractions were constant because of the shenanigans from the waitresses and busboys. I didn’t hear exactly what Ryan had said. So, I asked him to repeat it.

“Dad, you stay in the middle and ride them jump for jump.”

Yep, from the mouths of babes, or in this case a high school student at the time, comes the secret to life.

Stay in the middle and ride ’em jump for jump.

Communication

Recently, I was reminded of the importance of Communication and Respect by a dance instructor. “As a leader, you must set the tone by your posture and frame. Your partner must feel safe in your presence.”

In other words, I must come to the dance floor sure of who I am — and willing to extend an invitation to someone sure of who she is. Otherwise, a wreck is guaranteed — toes will be stepped upon and feelings will be hurt.

Reverse ABC’s

Whatever the mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve.

Most of us are familiar with one of the great speeches of all time, “I have a dream…” by Martin Luther King. As I listened to the speech, I was reminded of another period of time in our great country, the United States of America.

For eight years, January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017, we listened to the oratory of another fellow promise great things. Heck, he even had the masses mesmerized by his magnificent dreams.