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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Escape (01/02/06)
Oh Jerusalem….How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 24:37

As the freezing rain stings my cheeks, I keep walking…..one foot in front of the other. My lips are chapped, my face is cold and my attitude just keeps getting worse and worse. Doesn't she know that I am just trying to help her? Why can't she just be normal? As I grip the halter and lead rope in my hands, my thoughts wander to the house - - the nice, warm, comfortable house.

The mare stops for a moment and turns to look at me as if she is gauging whether or not she has won this game. I stop, smile and say hello all the while knowing that this is not the end - - it is only the beginning - - the beginning of her escape. Escape from pressure, escape from trusting, escape from any true partnership. She stays within arms length of me ever watching, never trusting.

Someone taught her to be this way….someone other than myself. Here I am, reaping the consequences of the foundation another person built with her. I think of how I would just love to shake that person sometimes. My mare is hurt and needs care and all she wants to do is get away from me. I try to remember to not take it personally.

Let's just get rid of her….."she is too much trouble," consumes my thoughts as I walk to the back of the pasture the third time this evening. It's getting dark….and colder. Who in the world would buy a horse with three good legs?? And if they did buy her, what would they do with her?? Destroy her??

I press on…trying to find that spot where she can be at peace…a place where I can help her….. a place where she can learn how to be a partner. Building trust seems to be brick by brick by brick by brick (and I would just love to simply pour concrete). Consistency breeds trust. Consistency in the little things…a pause…a look….a gesture…..doing what I need to do when it is the last thing I want to do. Trust seems to take an eternity to build and a nanosecond to destroy.

She stops…..I wait… I soften….she softens. The look on her face tells me that she is ready….to be caught….to end the escape. That is…. for today.

As I walk back into the barn, I breathe a sigh of relief for today was easier than yesterday……Progress.
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This article has been read 751 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Gabrielle Morgan
01/11/06
I appreciated your story having dealt with horses myself. All a matter of trust in the end, but so worthwhile. As with our faith. Good writing.
Phyllis Inniss 
01/13/06
I enjoyed this article, even though I don't know anything about horses. I do know it is the same with children. You have to build that trust to have a good relationship with them. Well written.
Andria Cook
01/15/06
This was a good example of building trust. It does take time.

I thought the piece was well-written and flowed nicely. Good job.
Alexandra Wilkin
01/16/06
This is a really well constructed piece that flows very well - the patience needed is expressed beautifully and I thought the end of piece was handled very well. A satisfying read. God bless.