The Story of Two Horses

Did You Hear the Bell?

Some time ago, I visited a farm with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looked like any other horse. There was nothing unusual about them at first glance. But while gazing at those beautiful animals, I noticed something quite amazing.

One of the horses was blind.

His owner had chosen not to have him put down. Instead, he had made a good home for him, allowing him to live safely and peacefully. As I stood there, I could hear a bell nearby.

Looking around for the source of the sound, I noticed that it came from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse’s halter was a small bell. It let the blind friend know where the other horse was, so he could follow.

As I stood and watched these two friends, I noticed that the horse with the bell was always checking on the blind horse. He would move a little distance away and then pause, making sure his companion could still hear him. The blind horse would listen carefully for the bell and then slowly walk toward the sound, trusting that he would not be led astray.

There was something deeply touching about that trust.

When the horse with the bell returned to the shelter of the barn each evening, he would stop occasionally and look back, making sure that the blind friend was not too far behind to hear the bell. He seemed to understand the responsibility he carried. The blind horse, in turn, seemed to understand that he was not alone.

Watching them, I was reminded of how much we are like those two horses.

Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who have walked into our lives. Not by chance, but perhaps by a greater design. In moments when we cannot see clearly, when life feels uncertain or dark, we listen for the steady presence of someone who cares enough to walk ahead and make sure we are safe.

Other times, we are the guide horse. We are the ones wearing the bell, helping others find their way. We may not always realize the importance of our presence, but to someone else, that gentle sound is reassurance. It is direction. It is hope.

Good friends and family are like that. You may not always see them, but you can hear the bell and know they are always there. Their support may come in quiet ways, through a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or simply by walking beside you.

As the year comes to an end, I find myself grateful for the bells I have heard along the way. Thank you for listening to my bell in the year going by. In the coming year, please listen for my bell and know that I will be listening for yours.

We all walk by hope and faith, and not by sight alone.

Let us keep ringing our bell for all our friends and family for as long as we are on this journey together.

- Mohan Krishnan