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Friday Tale - The
Horseman
It was a bitter, cold evening in northern
Virginia many, many years ago. The old man's beard was glazed by
winter's frost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait
seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north
wind. He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves
galloping along the frozen path.
Anxiously, he
watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by
without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by... and
another. Finally, the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat
like a snow statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the
rider's eye and said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to
the other side? There doesn't appear to be a passageway by foot."
Reining his horse,
the rider replied, "Sure thing. Hop aboard."
Seeing the old man
was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman
dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horseman took
the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, which was
just a few miles away.
As they neared the
tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman's curiosity caused him to inquire,
"Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass by without
making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and you immediately
asked me for a ride.
I'm curious why,
on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last rider. What
if I had refused and left you there?"
The old man
lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in
the eyes, and replied, "I've been around these here parts for some
time. I reckon I know people pretty good."
The old-timer continued,
"I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there
was no concern for my situation. It would have been useless even to ask
them for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and
compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit
would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of
need."
Those heartwarming
comments touched the horseman deeply. "I'm most grateful for what you
have said," he told the old man. "May I never get too busy in my
own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and
compassion."
With that, Thomas
Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.
~ Author Unknown
So, as those who have been chosen by God,
holy and beloved,
put on a heart of compassion,
kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience.
~ Colossians 3;12
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