What Good is an Old Horse????

A brother and sister made their usual hurried, obligatory Christmas visit to the little farm where their elder parents lived with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and was called "Lone Pine" because of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm.



Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the hustle and bustle of the city added more excitement to their lives and called them away to a much different life.



The old folks no longer showed their horses because the years had taken their toll and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder and harder, but it gave them a reason to get up each day. A reason to live. They sold a few foals each year and the horses were their reason for both joy in the morning and contentment at the day's end.



Angry as they prepared to leave the young siblings confronted the folks, "why do you not at least dispose of the "old one"? She is no longer of use to you, it has been years since you had a foal from her, you should cut your corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse be anything but a burden causing expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?



The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, "Yes, I could use a pair of new boots". His arm slid defensively around the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love, nothing else, just love."



Baffled and irritated the kids wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness fell throughout the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a very happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace and love that filled their hearts?



So it was, because of the unhappy departure that no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. No one saw the first spark fall. No one but the Old One.



In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses.



But the flames were roaring now and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms. Clinging to each other they wept at their loss.



By the time the fire department arrived only smoking, glowing ruins were left and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together outside the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now.



The old man turned to his wife, resting her grey head upon his shoulder as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandanna. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost so much but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas, let's gather our strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved and most precious gifts that have been taken from us."



So he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand. The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the deep snow and they took their time as they climbed. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of hill they paused to rest. Looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.



Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their lone pine tree as though it was aglow with heavenly candles. Poised on the top of the tree was a crescent moon that glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.



Suddenly the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.



Bedded down about the Old One, close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd - safe.



At the first hint of smoke the Old One had pushed the door ajar with her grey muzzle and led the horses through it. Slowly with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames and tucked their tails under themselves as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the Old One as she moved calmly up the hill and to the safety beneath the lone pine.



Now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years and she was tired from the climb, but her golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift.



Because of Love. Only Because of Love.



Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy...And again the peace of love filled their hearts.



This is said to be a true story from Willy Eagle. An inspirational message that I hope will make your day just a little bit better!