365 2014 Day 63 Joy Ride

Since I was a girl I have adored horses. I lived and breathed them. It was all I could think about. The way they smelled, the sounds they made, the way they moved — I was in love. I drove my parents crazy asking for one when I was little. My Mama finally gave in when I was 11 and bought me a horse named Buttermilk. He was a creamy white half Arabian and to me he was the most beautiful horse in the world. I loved that horse. I cleaned stalls for that horse. I rode him everywhere. We were inseparable. I told him all my worries and concerns and learned how to be brave on his back. I believe with all my heart that he helped me to hold onto my childhood through the trauma of trying to grow up in a broken world.

Today I have a horse named Gunsmoke. He has to be the sweetest horse in the world. His whole demeanor says “teddy bear”.  He follows me everywhere if I am in the pasture with him. Today, as I began my ride with him I led him to the front porch to set my camera down. As I stretched out to place my camera on the top step, he began to walk up the steps to the front door. I laughed and told him that we were not going in the house today. Silly Gunsmoke.

I needed this little ride today. We just went to end of the road and back a couple of times, but I found my bearings again on Gunsmoke’s strong back. How I love the soft clip-clopping of his feet on the pavement and his sweet snorting as he goes. He is a majestic creature. He bears the glory that God set aside just for horses. Don’t you feel it when you see one, be it in a movie or on the streets of the city? I never get over it. Even the Lord Jesus will return to us on a white horse. What a sight that will be. Winston Churchill is quoted as saying “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”, and I wholeheartedly agree, but I would add “or woman” to that quote. I might even add “especially women”. In my opinion every young girl would benefit from time with a horse, and every horse would benefit from spending time with a young girl. They simply bring out the best in one another.

This is a gift I do not ever want to take for granted. I believe God puts desires in our hearts so that he can partner with us to bring them into being. He wants us to ask him for the things that make our hearts ache with yearning. He has plans for every little detail and he takes great joy in giving to his children. He is so good. Ever and always good.

Psalm 16:11 ~

“You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.