A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory
pre- Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly
parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had
grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine,
which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had
become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the
countryside.. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood
here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their
lives, and called them away to a different life.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the
years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty
mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the
mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the
horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's
end.
Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple
confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old
One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had
foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for
yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but
expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the
toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair
of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he
drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her
ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else,
just love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old
man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as
darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in
sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their
cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of
the love that filled their hearts?
So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one
noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn.
None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames
were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair,
the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn
to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the
blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless
before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him
in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins
were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief,
huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from
the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there
was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting
her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily
dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We
have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas.
Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have
sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and
give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most
precious gifts that have been taken from us.
And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill
as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered
hand.
The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow.
As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they
paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped
and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before
them.
Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up
in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it
was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a
crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal
created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old
man held his wife tighter in his arms.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed
and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward.
There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and
glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in
the night light.
Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the
entire herd, safe.
At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle
and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never
looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through
the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish
yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their
tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The
mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed
uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to
safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the
faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not
disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but
the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---
Because of love. Only Because of love.
Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And again
the peace of love filled their hearts.
This is a true story.
Willy Eagle
This is an Inspirational message sent to a small group of people. My
hope is that it will make your day just a little bit better.
A small request!
Cancer is a strange cell.
Going along for years in remission and then one day it pops it head up
again.
Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.
A SMALL REQUEST...
93% won't forward, but I'm Sure You Will........
A small request.....Just one line
Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen
You are all asked is keep this circulating. Even if it's only to one
more person. In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by
cancer or is still living with it.
A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.
Please Keep This Candle Going.
No comments:
Post a Comment