Of Stirrups, Support, and Service

by Michele Oksen

Would you like to be that person who is so strong, so balanced, and so flexible you could grab some mane and swing up gracefully onto a horse without the aid of a rock, a bench, a tree stump, or someone to give you a boost? I know I would. However, the fact is, I never have been able to get up on my horse and into the saddle without some kind of assistance. That's where a stirrup came in handy.

To ride tall we must first put our left foot in the stirrup, one hand on the horse's neck, one on the saddle horn, hop on our right foot while we pull ourselves up, and rise into the saddle. We don't expect the stirrup to do all the work for us. Nor do we depend on it solely to maintain our stability once we're mounted. We just need it to be there like a helpful hand.

A lot of situations are like that. Sometimes all we need is a leg up in life. Now and again a supportive person or a compassionate community makes all the difference. And, as good fortune would have it, the SLO Coast is full of these people. Here is where folks go far beyond mere concern for others. Humanitarianism, the promotion of fellow villagers' welfare, gallops around our small towns.

When someone in our area has a need — and nearly all of us do on occasion — whether we can't manage circumstances alone, suffer a loss, have health issues, or any other set back, others weave their fingers together, hang around like a stirrup, and never once consider, "What's in it for me?" They lend their hands purely out of the goodness of their hearts. What a blessing.

Support from unselfish people who give their time, energy, and talents is a beautiful thing to behold, one that should be acknowledged, celebrated, and, most of all, emulated. People who are of a mind to be of service to others are shining examples of the very best human characteristics there are. The ability and willingness to take action in order to elevate the spirits of those under trial or affliction, to minimize their suffering, to provide a sturdy foundation, or to bear some of the load as the supported person struggles to become upright is to create a powerful, cohesive, and influential environment.

Not that supportive people do what they do for appreciation or applause. They don't. It's just that they deserve it and the more we recognize and reveal their efforts the more likely others are to follow in their footsteps. Those who uplift, inspire, and support as they go, guide us in a direction that unifies and sustains us. Like a stirrup on a saddle aids a person in their ascent, we must all consider ways in which we can do the same. Let's show the world how it's done and maybe, just maybe, others will take notice and imitate our efforts to be of support and service.

Photos by Lindy Swanson Pedotti

Banner Image by Fugle