Parable of the Horses

I love the parables in the Bible. After attempting to write one, I love even more how wise Jesus was and is. I struggled to make every piece fit, but He, off the cuff, spoke perfect words of wisdom to his disciples, in ways he knew they could understand. It has been my prayer for my children since they were babies that they will use heavenly wisdom, and fall in love with hearts before faces when deciding on a marriage partner. With that in mind this is my feeble attempt at a story that imparts anything which closely resembles wisdom.

Parable of the Horses

A wise father sent his three young sons into the city in search of a perfect workhorse, with only one  instruction: “follow your hearts.” Upon arriving in the city, the boys proceeded to the most reputable stable. The oldest son immediately sought the show horses, searching from stall to stall, for the finest looking horse available. He finally settled on a beautiful colt, tall and splendid, yet wild in nature.

The second oldest son wandered through where the racehorses were kept. Posted on the stalls were the best times, winnings, and bloodlines of all the thoroughbreds. The young man selected the absolute best horse based on all three criteria. However, many seasons of fast racing had resulted in orthopedic problems for the young mare.

Meanwhile, the youngest son, inspired by his father’s words to follow his heart, slowly made his way through the draft horses stalls. The older brothers followed behind snickering among themselves, whispering “nag-lover.” Ignoring his brothers, still led by his “heart” the boy stopped in front of “Penny’s” stall. At this his brothers were rolling in laughter, “girlie-nag-lover” they chanted.

“Penny” was thinner than the other draft horses, albeit muscular; to the youngest son however, this was not relevant. She was gentle and docile, and the boy just knew in his heart that Penny was the one.

 The boys returned home with their respective reports for the selections they had made, each but the third assured that their father would choose the same horse as they had. Upon reading the details of each  one’s preference the father called the boys to him.

 To the eldest he said: “Son, beautiful horses, like beautiful women are pleasing to the eye, but if at the core of their being, lies a riotous spirit, heartache will soon follow. To the middle son he said, ”My boy, the world loves a winner, but to win in life and love, the one who runs joyfully, all the while enjoying the race is more victorious than the one with the ability to rush to the finish.”

Finally, the father turned to his youngest, who anxiously awaited. “My son” he said with a smile, “You have chosen wisely. Your guide was neither beauty nor bloodline, but the virtue associated with a quiet and gentle spirit.” Then turning to the three he loved so deeply the father said, “seek your brides with the same measure this youngest son of mine has chosen his filly, and the richest of lives possible will be your treasure.”