It was a fair, fitting, and frequent question. For a time it even was a frustrating question. What was this question you might ask, “How is your horse Preacher? Where is your horse Preacher? Why don’t you mention your horse any more Preacher? Do you still have your horse Preacher?” I was not frustrated because people ask me about Lucy. What frustrated me was that I did not really have any first hand knowledge of how she was doing. Oh, I stilled owned her and knew she was being taken care of, but for over a year I had not personally seen her. In the summer of 2006, I sent her to the Moore farm outside of Senatobia because we were going on vacation. When we got back, I decided to leave her in the country. It was too hot to ride and there was no need for her to spend the summer in a hot stall when she could be enjoying the freedom of a pasture. If you remember, we were counting down the days until the move to Getwell, so I was pretty busy. By the time we made the move winter was coming on and I decided just to leave her where she was. The Moore’s gave me updates and often invited me to come to the farm anytime I wanted to see her. My intentions were good, but before I knew it, over a year had passed without my so much as laying an eye on Lucy. All my knowledge of her was second hand and all my stories about her were past tense. All that changed a couple of months ago when I moved her closer home. I now have a first hand knowledge of how she is doing because I see her often. How about you today? Do you have a fresh story to tell about your relationship with the Father? Maybe you are giving pat answers the way I used to when asked about my horse. Maybe you are giving excuses why you have not spent more time with the Lord today. Today would be a good day to bridge the gap. “Draw nigh unto me and I will draw nigh unto you.” I have rediscovered the joy of horsemanship and you just might rediscover the joy of discipleship.Back In the Saddle Again,

Bro. James