KIDS
LOST AND FOUND BY ALEXIS RIVERA It was a bright and sunny morning, and I was excited because it was trail riding day! My horse, Preacher, loves the trails as much as I do, so we would go out once a month with a friend to ride on some longer trails in the area. My friend couldn’t come on this particular day, but she was still willing to drop us off by the trailhead barn. The ride was wonderful. We stayed out all day enjoying the beautiful creation around us. As evening approached, I turned Preacher around to head back to where we came from. Soon, however, I realized I wasn’t sure of the right direction. Have you ever felt completely lost? It can be a scary feeling, even when you are an adult. I knew that I had taken several wrong turns, and twilight was fast approaching. It would be dark soon, but I couldn’t find the right way to get back to the trailhead. In that moment I breathed a prayer, “Lord, help me find the way home.” Then I paused to look around. I still had no idea where to turn, but the thought crossed my mind to drop the reigns and ask Preacher to help. Horses have a better sense of direction, and Preacher paced along the trail with confidence. Occasionally, he would whinny and listen for the other horses, but as night came we found ourselves back by the barn. Preacher knew exactly where to go! Needless to say, he got a few extra treats from his rider. This story reminds me of a lesson about guidance. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:56 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I may not have known where I was while I was lost on the trail, but Preacher knew, and I had to trust my riding partner by loosening the reins so he could find the right way. It is important to trust in God and let him have control of the reins in our lives. We make all kinds of decisions, both big and small. Sometimes we even lose our way by making decisions that are not best. But, we can always trust God to guide us in the right direction so long as we fully trust in him and His understanding of the trail.
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