It looked so easy. Climb on board the back of a mechanical bull, hold the handle, and ride until the motions were so violent that you lost control, flew through the air, and landed on your feet waving your hat to the admiring crowd. It was so simple.
I realized as I watched a friend ungraciously dumped in the first five seconds that I was too old, uncoordinated, and clumsy to be considering such a foolish display. My fear eased temporarily as I approached the bull. It wasn’t going to be so hard, was it?
I had a hard time just getting on. Somehow the short object with a coat of fur grew as I approached.
I sat in the spotlight and realized that I had no firm plan in my mind on using my right hand or left. My senses, once on, as to where I should sit, hold the rope, or position my legs vanished. My only thought was to hold on as tightly as it could.
For me it seemed like I was on for at least ten minutes. It had to be that long! In the reality of time as you know it, it was no more than 60 seconds, probably closer to twenty. Before it was over I had gripped the middle of the cow with as much force as my weak thigh muscles could provide, I had circled my legs around the neck of the animal in a vain attempt to look like I knew what I was doing, and floundered pathetically on far end of the bull, away from those vicious cloth horns (filled with down of course).
“See that man who thinks he’s so smart? You can expect far more from a fool than from him.” (Proverbs 26.12)
I didn’t go back for a second round.
As I stumbled off looking for emotional support from friends I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I could see the fool creeping around the edges. Thank God for mercy, love, and, most of all, unconditional acceptance. There is life!
