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)
