A couple of weeks ago, Brandon and I were moving some horse fence so we could turn them out on some wheat - something we knew they would love grazing on... almost too much! It didn't take long and the fence was up. We had a couple hours of daylight left and wanted to see what the horses thought.
Usually, our horses spend most of their time in a dry lot, getting hay twice a day. We turn them out for a few hours each day, or longer if the grass/pasture can handle it. On this particular day, the horses were turned out in a pen with some grass and some weeds. We went to catch them to move them to the plentiful, and much bigger, wheat pasture, and you know what they did?! They kept wandering off from us. They didn't want to be caught. They weren't running from us, just maintaining enough distance that we couldn't halter them and lead them to the best ground.
They thought the grass was pretty green right where they were. You see, in their minds, the half grass, half weed pasture was already better than what they were used to. Horses do not have the ability to think ahead. They focus on the present, which is so valuable, but it can sometimes lead them to make decisions that aren't the best in the long run.
You know who can think ahead though? You and me! While Brandon and I were catching the horses, or rather trying to catch them, I was cracking jokes, but then it hit me. How often do I stay just out of reach of God? I mean He has already blessed me so much, how could there be anything better? I followed His lead to Oklahoma, where else could He be asking me to go? The grass is really green where I am. You're telling me it could be better?
I learn a lot from Brandon, I mean A LOT! One thing he has been talking about lately is blessings and what really are blessings? I could look at the physical things around me and I think that things can't get much better - we have a beautiful home, 40 acres of land, our farm is growing, our baby is almost due, we have money, food, and shelter. God has BLESSED us. But, if we look at the Bible and see what God says blessings are, are we willing to lay it all at His feet to be blessed more deeply with a deeper and more rich relationship with Him?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:3-12
When we read this set of verses, we realize it's not the physical blessings, though those are nice when we have them, it's the spiritual blessings we receive from Christ that are so important! So next time you find yourself just out of reach of God, moving away just fast enough that you won't allow Him to "catch" you, remember the grass might be green where you are, but you never know how green the next pasture will be. Always remember:
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8
AND
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Just like we can help our horses and establish their steps when they yield to us and allow us to lead them, God will establish our steps if only we let Him.
xo & Happy Trails,
Sara
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