Shanna sat on the edge of her bed with her arms resting atop of her legs,
and head drooped down in deep thought. She was staring at the diamond pattern
of her bedroom carpet, with many thoughts running through her mind.
Being offered the new position that she had applied for in the city,
was making her a little apprehensive. She wasn't sure about leaving
the only place she had ever known as home.
Shanna had been on her own since her parents were killed in a plane crash
several years back. What she dreaded most, was the thought of leaving Wildheart,
her beloved pony. Shanna gave her that name because she loved
running wild and free along their property, which spanned for many miles.
Shanna was present at Wildhearts birth, and they bonded almost Immeditally.
One might say that Shanna and Wildheart grew up together as "Best Friends"
spending hours together galloping along the country side. Yes . . . They had a
special love and respect for each other. Shanna knew she would miss their
long rides, and closeness as they shared the wonders of nature.
After considering everything, Shanna felt she should accept the job in the city.
She made a decision to keep her home and hire someone to tend to Wildheart.
After all she could come back on week-ends to check the house and visit with
her beloved pony.
It was Sunday, the day before leaving for the city and her new job.
Shanna decided to take Wildheart for a long ride, to later,savor the memory.
As they trotted along, Shanna leaned forward, and spoke softly, telling
Wildheart how she was going away, and how she would miss her very much,
and that she would come back to see her often.
It seemed her beloved pony understood every word she spoke. Her stride was
so confident, Shana could sense the contentment in her. Wildheart held her
head high as she trotted along. A beautiful sight as she carried her beloved
mistress through the fields. They were as wild and free as the breeze....
Shanna was immensely happy that she afforded this time, before saying goodby to
Wildheart. As they came to a clearing, Shanna decided to stop and enjoy the
serene beauty of the day.
There was a stream nearby where Shanna sometimes would stop and refresh herself,
while Wildheart would enjoy a cool drink of water.
As Wildheart was drinking, Shanna was preparing to sit and relax for awhile. Just then, Shanna heard a sound that brought panic to her heart immediately!
To the right of Shanna was a Rattlesnake. Wildheart had heard it also! Shanna
froze, and told Wildheart to stay still! As the rattler slithered closer, Wildheart
reared high on her hind legs, and began to circle around Shanna to keep her
protected. Shanna was mortified, when she found her voice she called "Wildheart,
Wildheart, No, Noooooo!" Shanna's cries did not stop her. Wildheart would protect her
mistress with her life. She sensed the immediate danger that surrounded Shanna.
All of a sudden the Rattler struck. Shanna screamed, while Wildheart kept trampling
the snake. She picked it up in her mouth and bit and tossed and trompled it, until it
was dead. But it had struck Wildheart repeatedly, until it had released all it's venom.
Shanna's mind was whirling as she kept repeating "Oh, No! Oh! Oh No! Not my
Wildheart!" Shanna tore the scarf from her neck, and hurridly went to the
stream and doused it into the water.
Running back to her beloved horse, she wiped Wildheart's eyes with the wet scarf,
and tried to wring water into her quivering mouth.
Wildheart tried getting up several times, and Shanna kept trying to calm her.
Talking soothingly and looking into her eyes. Shanna told her how brave she was,
to have fought the snake to save her life, and how she would always love, and
never forget her brave and loving Wildheart.
Slowly Wildheart settled, as if accepting her fate, and Shanna sat sobbing,
and hugging her dear friend who was so quickly taken from her with the poison
venom from the rattlers fangs!
Her wonderful, beautiful, and free spirited Wildheart ~~~~ Was gone!
Wildheart . . . Who had so much love for Shanna,had so freely given her life,
so that her beloved mistress would be saved from death.....
This little story reminds me of another
situation where a Life was given to save someone.
I am speaking of Jesus, who gave His life for everyone
thats ever lived or ever will live.
He was the Perfect Sacrifice, that God demanded,
as payment for our sins!
The scriptures say that He gave His life willingly for us..
John 3:15~18
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have eternal life. For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world
through him might be saved. He that believeth
on him is not condemned: but he that believeth
not is condemned already, because he hath
not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God.
John 10: 17 and 18 the bible says,
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay
down my life, that I might take it again. No man
taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have
power to lay it down, and I have power to take it
again. This commandment have I received of my
Father.
So we see that He gave His life FREELY!
