Saddle Up Your Horses
Courtesy of The Church in the Dirt
It warmed my heart last weekend to see old Root Beer lined up with the ponies' giving rides to the kids for opening night of VBS. As I watched the kids climb into the saddles, I was reminded of a trail ride from many years ago.
I had considered getting a horse but had never really ridden one before. My friend Sonya's brother-in-law had a couple of gentle ones that his family would ride on a dead-end gravel road near his home. He told Sonya that we could come over and ride one day so that I could get a feel for it. He saddled them up for us, gave a few instructions and directions, but said that the horses were used to the frequent trips and would know where to go.
We mounted the large animals, and they began to gently walk out of the yard and alongside the paved road making their way to the nearby gravel one. Just as he had told us, they knew exactly where they were going. All we had to do was hold the reins and enjoy the ride. However, we had not been informed that when it came time to head back, the horses would veer off of the road and walk on a wooded trail for a short piece to get themselves turned back around. Imagine our surprise when our transportation made an immediate move to the left that took us across a ditch and through a patch of small trees. They knew where they were going but we didn't, and it made us nervous. When we realized what was happening, we laughed about how the horses were smarter than we were.
Once again on the gravel road, we started the journey back. Reaching the pavement, all that was left was the final stretch. As soon as the horses made the turn for home, the race was on! We had no idea that they normally ran the last stretch back to the house. No matter how loud we shouted whoa or how hard we pulled on the reins, they never slowed down. Instead, it seemed as if they thought we were cheering them on to run faster. I remember bouncing up and down in the saddle expecting to fall off at any moment. What started as a leisurely stroll ended in great excitement. The horses knew they were getting close to home and were eager to get there.
Do you know where you are going? Not today, but for eternity. Are you eager to get there? As Christians, we have assurance of our salvation and should be looking forward to arriving at our heavenly home and seeing our Lord, but until that day comes, there is work to be done. We have a trail to blaze.
My prayer this week is that I remember that I was placed here for a purpose and that I not only look forward to the day I arrive in heaven, but also do the work to make sure others are there too.
Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest. -Matthew 9:38
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. -Colossians 23-24
The Great Adventure - Steven Curtis Chapman
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