Unqualified
Am I qualified to share my photos, even though I'm not a professional photographer?
Who am I to share about ranching, when I haven't worked on the ranch full time my entire adult life?
What am I doing writing stories about a life that I have spent much of my life observing from the outside?
It is true that my gifts lie somewhere other than behind the wheel of any kind of equipment. I can't back up a trailer very well and am terrified at the thought of having to operate any kind of equipment without my husband being there to hold my hand. I'm not great at building fence. I don't weld, don't know about many tools, and don't yet have the courage to run the chute.
I am not qualified for a whole lot of things, if we are being honest. The list of things I am really good at is way smaller than the list of things I am not good at; but whose isn't? Being qualified for something is such a matter of perception. My husband always says, just try- you might be the person who has the most skills out of all the other people, even if you only have two skills listed!
Like the bible verse says, God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
2020 has taught me some deep lessons. I'm not a professional photographer, but taking photos keeps me sane, and helps me connect with others. I don't have a communications or journalism degree, but my words make others feel something- and that profoundly moves me. I am not all-knowing about cattle and ranching and politics and religion, yet, people keep asking me to share my story because they can relate to "just doing it".
Have I been called by a higher power to share some sub-par photos of cattle, horses, and little kids with the world? Or to send words into the world to help others? I'm not sure, but I believe this gift has been my saving grace this year.
I guess what I am trying to say is this- forget about being "qualified". If you have a gift, don't hide it. Like I've said before, life is all about dumping the clutch and starting over. Fail. Learn. Try again. You won't be the best at anything when you first start. What fun would it be if you never had to be challenged? Not being a "professional" doesn't mean you aren't good enough. Share your gifts with others, no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you've been in the saddle for thirty four years, or just sat in one today, there is always something to learn. You don't have to be an expert to do it, whatever "it" is.
❤️ Richelle
