Monday, August 6, 2007

Dear God,

I want to tell you about Cinnamon. She is fifteen hands high, cinnamon colored, 17 years old, a real gentle beauty. I was nervous; I have to admit it. I rode a horse just once in my life and I remember it being an unpleasant experience. But today I donned my 1840's outfit complete with bonnet and drove to the equine academy. I saw a short white horse in a ring and I asked if it was my horse. "No, we put children on ponies and adults on horses." I was told. Then when I walked past the barn and peeked inside, I saw a horse wearing a saddle. Suspicious I asked if it were my horse. Of course, it was.

That horse was the tallest horse I've ever seen! The place where I would be riding had to be several stories high. My heart started beating so fast. But Greg, the proprietor told me horses were the most beautiful, gentle, kind thing in the world. I drew in a breath hoping he was right.

"I need to pray with Cinnamon." I told Greg and Sahara. "Of course." They replied. I patted the side of her face and told the horse I believed in prayer and I hoped she did too. I thanked God for this beautiful horse and prayed we would be able to accomplish our mission together. Then with 100 degrees in the open ring, I climbed aboard. Scared to death I took hold of the horn and held on tight, white knuckles to prove it.

I learned quickly how to turn her right and left, to stop her and make her go. For thirty minutes we walked around the ring, sweat pouring down my face. Frequently I told Cinnamon how well she was doing. (Me too!) Finally I was able to let go of the horn, fairly certain I would not fall off. I liked it although I still felt like I was very high.

When I stepped down on the steps, I patted Cinnamon again thanking you for her. I felt pretty comfortable that she and I would do fine together.

I watched my fear melt in the sun. I silently prayed that I would be able to ride a horse and not be afraid. You answered my prayer as I became more and more confident.

Thank you
for Cinnamon,
my partner.
For her ministry
and mission.
Thank you mostly
for her gentleness
and her good spirit.
(I was afraid
my horse
would be named
Lightning, Speed or Storm)
Thank you most of all
for welling up
courage within me,
teaching me once again
about trust.
I have so much
to learn.

Love, Andrea