A special photo from six years ago.

Elke and I owned, trained and rode horses for 11 years. How special they are and great teachers of patience and understanding.

I took this after returning from a morning run where I found my horse, Marrana, laying in the sun. I often got to lay with her on the ground - incredible trust from a horse’s perspective.

Marrana is a spitfire. She could be incredibly gentle and yet incredibly ornery. She has a very strong mind. She’s an alpha mare and was always in charge of our herd.

That’s what made moments like these even more special. Where she set aside that persona to just be a loving animal and allow me into her gentle, loving side and bond more deeply.

Horses are great teachers. Who do you know that lives mostly unapproachable? They stave off every attempt on your part to get close? We all have love inside us - even when it’s unseen. Patience and new approaches are key. Insightfulness of behavior is essential to unlocking the defenses of someone so guarded.

Jesus did not come to save everyone - we know - but to save all who were seeking. Who the person WAS mattered much less than who the person desired to become. There are times you have to walk away for self-protection but before you do, make sure the other person isn’t crying out for help in their own way.