Glimpses of Truth
Happy Trails
A few days ago, I had the privilege to go on a trail ride - just me and my horse. Well, there were a few other people and their horses – okay, a few more than a few, about 350 total. The ride was awesome. The scenery was beyond description. However, I’d like to help paint a picture. Early in the cool mornings, a light fog would come through the campgrounds, making the sounds come alive. As the fog was lifting, I was aware of the flowing water in the wide stream behind my campsite. On the other side were barns filled with horses of different kinds. Also, the sounds of horses’ hooves traveling the partial-gravel road in front of my site was just another sound which began my day. Shortly after rising each day came the ringing of the dinner bell, but it was the call for breakfast - the real deal. A hardy, country-cooked breakfast began the day.
First, of course, had been the feeding of all those horses. Then we ate. An hour later, the bell would ring again, calling all riders to assemble for the organized rides – yes, rides - the “fast” ride and the “slow” ride. Both would leave camp and return in time for another good country-cooked meal, and after lunch it all started again.
As good as the meals were and as interesting as the campground was, they did not compare to the various trails which were traveled each day. My words are incapable of painting all the sights to behold, but I must share a few. Climbing or descending a high hill in the woods was often a challenge for my might steed, but the sight of 20 or 30 horses before me and that many behind me traveling a single-file path present a picture in my mind which will last for a long time.
Hills, there were plenty. When you have hills you have valleys. Some of those valleys were natural places for small streams. Crossing a graveled creek with flowing water on the back of your favorite horse is what some horse riders dream about. That is, when the trees around you are blowing in the gentle breeze. That is, when that gentle breeze is causing the leaves to fall.
Fall? Yes, fall because it’s Fall. The leaves were beautiful in color - the golds, the reds. Yes, God had painted the landscape. And I was right in the middle of this beautiful picture. I was overwhelmed to be in this “motion picture show.” Sights and sounds transport us to a variety of places. Mine were delightful.
I don’t know were you’ve been the last few days; your hills and valleys may have been much different than mine. But God walks with us up and down all the hills of this life. And He waits for us in the valleys. I had the privilege of being alone with God, surrounded by His fabulous hills and valleys. I’m always reminded that being alone with the mighty Creator helps me put all things in perspective.
So, step aside and sit down. Let your motor idle. That appointment might wait; that assignment - it will be there when you return. Fulfill your duty. Give it your best, but don’t let it bury you. Schedules - we all have them. Plans, programs and people – it’s life. It’s a great part of life. But amid all the things this life places on us, be sure to find those times and causes which cause you to refocus.
So, enjoy the fog rolling in. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this Fall season. It probably won’t be on top of a horse like it was for me, but it’s there. So look, and you just might find it. It just possibly might help you put first things first.
