Can You Please Listen For My Bell?

Just up the road from our home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. Rather, He lovingly watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need (read the books of Ruth and Esther).

Sometimes, we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those folks who God places in our lives (cf. John 9:1-7; Acts 9:8-9). Other times, we are the guide horse, helping others see (Acts 8:26-31; 1 Peter 2:11-12; cf. Matthew 5:16).

Good friends are like this. We don't always see them, but we know they are always there. So, can you please listen for my bell .... I'll remember to listen for yours! —Author Unknown

—Mike Riley, Gospel Nuggets