"Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses
in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your
car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has
chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is
amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for
the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in
the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know
where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking
on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she
is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.
When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally
and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we
are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us
and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of
those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping
others see.
Good friends are like this...you don't always see them, but you know they are
always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll remember to listen for yours."
- Jim Rea