Thursday, May 03, 2007

I Hear Your Bell


I received an email yesterday from a sister. No, not a physical sister; I don't have one. But I do have plenty of soul sisters. And this sister is hurting. Problems galore are piling up. She's troubled about how to deal with them. She needs comforting, strength and guidance.



When horses lie down to sleep, others in the herd remain standing, awake or in a light doze, in order to keep watch.

Two horses stand side by side in a field. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing . . . One horse is blind.

Close by in the field is a smaller horse and attached to the horse's halter is a small bell that lets the blind horse know where he is so he can follow.

The horse with the bell constantly checks on the blind horse. The blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walks to where the other horse is. The blind horse trusts that his horse friend will not lead him astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind 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.

American Paint Horse Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way. Good friends are like that . . . you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.




Musical/change-ringing handbells



Please listen for my bell. I'll be listening for yours.




And remember . . . be kinder than necessary -- everyone you meet
is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly . . . Leave the rest to God.




And the last of the relaxation hints. Make time to enjoy these. They'll be worth it!


1. Practice calmness.
Don't let the kids get to you. Quit worrying. Problems will always be with us. Realize that. Turn to God, or talk to a friend.

2. Have fun. Do something physically fun. Walk up your driveway, ride a bike around the block, work in a garden. Ski. Hunt. Play softball with the kids. Don't feel obligated; do it because you want to.

3. Follow your dreams. Don't let life pass you by without doing some of the things (or all of them!) that you've always wanted to do. Don't let that niggling thought that you're not fulfilling your dreams bother you. Do something about it. You don't have to be a professional at it. Just do it.

4. Make time for family and friends. Never let work or obligations come before them. Always be available for them. Enjoy activities together. It doesn't have to be expansive or expensive. Simple things like fishing, picnicing, walking in the park, or visiting free museums and other events can be fun and valuable.


AND . . . the answer to yesterday's trivia question . . . did you say a dinasour? Nope. It's a CAT. How many of you guessed that?

One more question for this week:
What was a gladiator armed with, in addition to a dagger and spear?


I've had several men answer the trivia questions, but few women. Come on, ladies, are you going to let the men show off all that knowledge?





Tomorrow's the day, folks. Get ready with a witty
(or dumb! Smile) comment.

Stone Age fishing hook made from bone.
Catch
the news about Donna Fleisher -- the writer -- tomorrow!


Quote:
The first day of spring is one thing; and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. -- Henry Van Dyke



Blessings.

5 comments:

Arlene said...

Hi The horse story was very good. Your writting today was very encouresing. Keep up the good work. Arlene

Caroline said...

THks, much, Arlene. Those words are music to my soul. Love you guys!

Arlene said...

Donna thanks for the interview. Keep up the good work on writing. Arlene

Joyce said...

I loved the horse story !
I know there are times I wear the bell, and other times I have to listen for it ! Thanks for the reminder !

Belinda2 said...

Very encouraging! The key is to be there for others, and you won't have time to feel sorry for yourself. :)

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