The Saddle
The sisters were enjoying a much needed time of rest and relaxation. Having left their family behind they were doing what they wanted; when they wanted--within the confines of the cruise. This particular day they were exploring the shops of Cozumel. They were looking for presents to take back to those they loved because whether they admitted it or not, their family was always on their mind. A sunset, view, person, or place would bring them to mind.
Working their way through the plaza, the sisters found treasures to share with everyone--colorful shawls; onyx wind chimes; locally grown foods; t-shirts and so much more. They filled their bags with goodies to share with family and friends back home. As they made their way through one particular store they saw on display a stunning black leather saddle overlaid with sterling silver. It was spectacular. The workmanship was excellent. They could just see Cherokee's Sun Chief (a Palomino Paint stallion) prancing about in such a spectacular saddle. Oh, he would steal the show.
The sister to whom the horse belonged ran her hands over the contours of the saddle. It was a spectacular show saddle. Out of curiosity she asked for the price of the saddle. She had been looking for a special present for her husband--and they had been talking about getting a show saddle for their horses. The price was well within her range, but how was she to get a saddle from Mexico to New Mexico on a cruise ship. It was just unrealistic. She walked away.
The sisters continued to browse through the store and talk as they did. They discussed the saddle. Finally, with the glee of little girls, they inquired about having the saddle wrapped and boxed--all their trinkets could be packaged with it. They were one under their baggage limit. If they could just get it to the ship . . . it would be an incredible surprise . . . it was unrealistic . . . it would make him so happy . . . wrap it up!
After a bit of haggling the shop owner packaged the saddle--even creating a rope handle so it could be lifted. They sent a man from the shop along with the sisters to carry the bulky package to the international dock. However that was as far as he--and the dolly with which he carried the package could go. With a half mile long dock, the sisters were on their own.
They each took a side, grabbed the handle and lifted it. They shuffled their way down the dock. Stopping to rest along they took their time. Laughing at themselves they struggled down the dock. As they approached the ship the crew ran to help them. The sisters gladly let them take the package. The crew agreed to take it to their stateroom as the sisters chattered, laughing at their own audacity.
By the time they made their way to the stateroom their steward had already delivered the package. It took quite a bit of space in the stateroom, so after labeling it better the steward stowed it assuring them it would be waiting for them with their luggage upon their departure.
They could hardly wait to get home and see the surprise when it was opened. Claiming the box once they docked, a porter took their luggage for them as they checked it at the airport. Noting the peculiar shaped box the porter joked as to its contents. With gleaming eyes and giggling voices they told him it was a saddle.
"A what?"
"A saddle--for my husband--well his horse. Doesn't everyone bring saddles as luggage through the airport?"
Laughing as they went the sisters could hardly wait to get home and give the present. They knew he would be speechless. The joy it would bring warmed their hearts. It was an act of love.
We all do things as acts of love. Some may be small, some may be big, but the key is they are done with love. God loves us. God has always and will always love us. God delights in us. God loved us so much that even though we disobeyed or chose to ignore God that God made a way to reconcile with us. All we have to do is say "yes."
God, help us to accept your love. Help us to love as you love--purely, completely, and without measure. So be it. Amen.
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