When I
was about 5 years old, my father decided that I needed a horse of my own to
care for. So he bought an old bay mare and brought her home to me. I named her
Dixie.
Dixie was
a formidable beast for me at my age and small stature. No saddle was small
enough, no stirrups short enough for my legs, so I rode bareback most of the
time.
Dixie was
plump, which meant that my feet stuck straight out, making it difficult to stay
astride. But whenever I fell off, Dixie would simply stop, look at me, and wait
while I tried to climb on her back again. This leads me to Dixie’s most
admirable trait: She was wonderfully patient.
I, on the
other hand, was less than patient with Dixie. Yet she bore my childish tantrums
with stoic patience, never once retaliating. I wish I could be more like Dixie,
having patience that overlooks a multitude of offenses. I have to ask myself,
“How do I react when others aggravate me?” Do I respond with humility,
meekness, and patience? (Col. 3:12). Or
with intolerance and indignation?
To
overlook an offense. To forgive 70 times 7. To bear with human frailty and
failure. To show mercy and kindness to those who exasperate us. To gain such
control over our souls—this is the work of God.
Love that
is born at God bears and forbears, gives and forgives. (RBC)
