I had an amazing experience today.
It was brief, it lasted no longer than about 20 minutes. But I think I shall never forget it.
My girl asked me to bring her a Dr. Pepper and some lunch to the barn that she’s been working at. She’d been there all morning, cleaning saddles for the owner and spending time with the horses.
I expected to just drop off her food and be on my way, but she invited me into the barn to meet the horses and to see what she was doing—a rare invitation into her world. I eagerly and gratefully accepted.
And thus was launched 20 minutes of wonderment on my part, as I watched my girl joyously in her element. She introduced me to each of the horses, and proudly showed me the saddle she’d been cleaning all morning with a toothbrush. We cut up some apples and fed the brutes, laughing at their individual antics.
And, she was at home. She was peaceful. It reminded me of the times that I can see the sky, the effect that has on my soul–I saw that same effect in her eyes as she called the horses to her, leading them in and out of their stables, playfully running around with them out in the field. And I thought, “This is peace for her.”
I could barely tear myself away. I wanted to just sit on the fence and watch my girl the rest of the afternoon, and be thankful. But I needed to leave her there to continue doing what she needed to do.
But before I left, I snapped a few pictures to remember the moment by. And then I left with my heart full and my soul grateful and proud of my girl