Downpour

Today I assisted the barn owner with a paid ride, which is when we take riders out on a trail ride on the string of horses kept for that purpose. These are great trail horses, lively enough to be fun to ride, but experienced and safe for novice riders. This was a birthday ride of 5 young women, 3 of whom were sisters. There was one slight problem. The ride was booked for 1:30 and we had just enough time to beat the rain that was forecast for mid-afternoon. One of our guests was half an hour late. When we were as far from the barn as possible, standing in the west fork of the White River for the horses to drink, big drops began to fall. We rode home (about 30 minutes), not in a sprinkle, but in a driving rain. The shower that felt good initially became cold when the wind picked up. My horse, Jo, experienced a tornado as a youngster, and will always be hyper vigilant in a storm. I spent the ride home trying to ease her anxiety and help her stay calm.

I rode half the ride on an amped up horse. Then drove home in rain so hard people pulled over to let it ease up. There were flash flood warnings, and I drove through some backed up water on the city streets. I got home, got dry, had pie and hot tea with my sweet husband, and settled into my easy chair with the warm basset hound. 

I am very rarely challenged with a situation that has scary aspects. I keenly felt the relief of pulling into my driveway, safe at home where I could reset and regain my equilibrium. I'm reminded tonight of how my faith has delivered me to safe shores throughout my life.

God of all providence, thank you for taking care of us today. Thank you for the calm horses on the trail string. Thank you for the experience that brings wisdom when the unexpected crops up. Thank you for safe transportation and a comfortable home. I pray for all throughout the world who lack basic necessities for a variety of reasons. Let today's experience remind me to trust You and ask to feel Your close presence when I am afraid.

Amen