05/14/2022
Best Friends
“Two are better than one… for if they fall one will lift up the other.” (Eccl.4:9)
Mercy was a very elegant, dark bay, thoroughbred mare. She was a strong lead mare within the herd and yet she had a very soft caring side of her. I have witnessed her take the young weanling c**t under her wing, caring for him and giving discipline as needed. When Suzie, a morgan mare, was new to the herd, she was afraid to cross the creek to go over to the large, lush pasture. Mercy hung back with Suzie and patiently showed her the way. Mercy would cross over the creek, come back until Suzie finally followed her across the creek safely. Mercy also took it upon herself to protect the weak and stood between the aggressive younger horses to keep them from picking on the aged appaloosa mare, Gigi.
Mercy’s leadership role seemed to connect her to the entire herd. However, she never seemed to pair up with anyone, like the other horses. She appeared to stand alone, that was until Tatonka came along. Tatonka was a noble, black percheron gelding, who was just a little taller than Mercy. He possessed a strong striking presence and a quiet confidence.
It wasn't Tatonka's strength that won Mercy’s heart but rather his gentleness. I watched how he respected her authority and would gently override it, making her feel secure in his leadership. Watching their body language at feeding time was very entertaining. They looked like an old married couple bickering over who was getting their grain first. I think Tatonka enjoyed teasing her. Once they finished their grain they would peacefully share a pile of hay. Mercy and Tatonka even parented the weanling c**t together. Mercy took care of grooming and manners while Tatonka would play and protect.
Tatonka wasn’t afraid to fight for Mercy. Enter Neon, a 17.2 hand, handsome, leopard app/friesian cross gelding. His striking presence and size did not intimidate Tatonka. Tatonka took his girl, Mercy and the young horses and left Neon with the geriatric mares of the herd. Mercy and Tatonka were inseparable. As Tatonka began to show his age, Mercy began to take care of him. She would place herself between Neon and Tatonka in order to keep Tatonka safe as he became too old to fight. They were best friends laying down their lives for one another.
At times I have seen my reflection in Mercy; a leader, caregiver, protector and provider; appearing strong to those on the outside looking in. I have formed connections with the church community, bonded with those in my workplace and barn family, developed solid relationships with my children and immediate family but had yet to find my best friend. I knew what he looked like in character; strong yet gentle, firm in his leadership and confident in who God has made him to be. He is not intimidated by my role or responsibility, rather respects and embraces it as part of who I am. Oh, how I desire to meet and know this man.
(Eccl. 4:11) “ Again if two lie down together they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him and a threefold cord is not easily broken.” God is love and it is He who binds us together in love. In him we can have a healthy relationship our heart desires; He designed it that way. I will wait on the Lord for my Tatonka.
