Hello faithful readers. You have found your way to the latest issue of the Gimli Gazette.
This week’s edition will focus on the theme of gratitude during trials. Recently, Ladyhawke, Connor and I were out grazing in the pasture during the cool of the evening. I was leading the herd in our evening devotions (as I often do, being the most spiritual horse on the ranch). Our topic this day was gratitude.
My text was Hebrews 12:11, which says:
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Each of us began to share what made us most grateful when times get difficult. Our thoughts immediately went to our recent struggles with medical issues. In the midst of our suffering, there was Dr. Kami, the ranch veterinarian, administering tough love.
Hawke shared how her current diet was tough to adjust to (I feel her pain!). But now she has more energy, and she suffers from less joint pain. She even is walking better with the new shoes on her feet.
Connor was having issues lately with his shaking head syndrome, but Dr. Kami was quick to administer a facial treatment that eased his suffering. You can see pictures of this treatment on the MSR Facebook page (June 13). Connor is now feeling much better.
I also received loving care from Dr. Kami. Recently I had a bad allergic reaction to something I ate or was exposed to in my paddock (see Gimli Gazette, Issue Sixteen). I broke out in quite a rash. Dr. Kami came to the rescue with the proper medication, and I was as good as new.
The spiritual lesson that we three horses learned was that these treatments were painful for the moment when they were administered, but they were for our ultimate good. We are joyful now that we are healthy and feeling better. Thank you, Dr. Kami, for your care for us. You have earned our gratitude.
Speaking for the herd, we are also grateful for all the children who take part in the sessions. They bring joy to us as we seek to minister to them. All the volunteers deserve our gratitude as well, for they make a lot of what happens at Mercy Spring Ranch possible. We are grateful horses!
That’s all for this week. Someday I may publish a book with all of my devotionals. It may encourage humans as well as the equine community. The working title is Prayerful Paddock Perspectives.
Happy Trails,
Gimli July 26, 2022