“Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you." - - Matthew 7:1
Don raised miniature donkeys. What cuties! These smart, amusing, charming little creatures beg for attention with nudges, brays and funny little sounds. Having them was more like raising dogs than horses – they were people magnets, and craved human affection.
Don also owned a thoroughbred named Shasta – an agile, energetic beast he’d gotten in a trade. The union of a fiery mare and a powerful stud, Shasta was born to run! So Don included her in one of his races. The result was obvious; Shasta won by a huge margin.
The donkeys didn’t care - so the practice continued. Initially Shasta enjoyed the race not because of winning but because she loved running. She’d exert extra energy to win by increasing margins each time.
Soon though, she tired of the silly race. The little donkeys posed no real competition. Gaining no additional rewards for winning, she gradually slowed down - still winning but narrower margins. Don (the fool) was ecstatic – he believed his little long-eared friends were getting faster!
One day a horse trader named Juan passed through town, needing a place to rest his herd. Travel can be very stressful for horses. In extreme conditions, they can lose as much as four gallons of water per hour not to mention the effects of heart, stomach and lung trauma. Don invited them to stay at his ranch for the night.
The next morning, Don suggested Shasta race against Juan’s horses. They could all use the exercise. They wagered $500. The race began. Shasta, now competing for the first time against horses faster, stronger and more confident – lost miserably!
Don was shocked; maybe he’d deceived himself all along. Maybe Shasta had simply lost her edge. To settle their bet, Don offered Shasta as payment.
Juan, a skilled horse trader, was delighted to get such a great horse for a small price. He bid Don “Farewell,” loaded Shasta into an empty trailer and headed west.
Months later, Don received a package from Juan containing a letter, several photographs, a recent newspaper cutout and $500. The letter read; "I’m returning your money as Shasta turned out to be my finest purchase ever. With training, she became a real champion, last weekend winning the Belmont Stakes. I trust you will be as proud of her as am I.”
“I’m such an idiot!” sighed Don. While he was comparing Shasta with little donkeys, he was making an ass of himself by giving up on her. He’d failed Shasta. Encouragement, not criticism, always brings out the best in everything.
Lord, keep us from thinking too highly or ourselves. Mold me, break me, reform me into Your image. Open our eyes to the suffering all around us so that we can serve You as instruments of change. Amen
