An Old Horseshoe

I found an old horse shoe in a creek. When I find old treasures like this I can't help but wonder. What is the story behind this shoe? Who rode the horse? Where were they going? Or, did they arrive where they were supposed to? It's just an old horseshoe, but it once meant something to the rider and the horse.

My wife’s great-great grandfather was a Methodist circuit rider preacher. He rode where ever he was asked with one purpose, share the love of Jesus and the hope of the church. He lived near where this shoe was found. Was it his horse that once wore this shoe? Or another rider that spread the gospel? When I find such treasures my mind wonders to the one that first hammered it out. I wonder if he always wanted to be a farrier or blacksmith? Was he proud of his little family? I wonder if his son would stand in wonder watching his mountain of a man father hammering out the metal. Did he love his wife so much that when she came out to his shop he beamed from ear to ear with a great smile? Did he always stand with chest puffed out with pride for his beautiful daughter as she was always the smartest in the class?

It seems these days I am moving so fast that I forget to stop and wonder what I am leaving behind. Does my “horseshoe” point someone to Him? Do I inspire my son? Do I love my wife the way she needs? Am I proud of the “adopted” daughters God has allowed in my family’s life? Will someone once wonder about my legacy?

I know to some it is just a cool horseshoe, but to me it was a message from my loving Heavenly Father that day. He was reminding me to leave a legacy. The talented author, Al Ainsworth, has written multiple books and spoken all over the South about leaving a legacy. He said to me one day that it was the single most important thing a husband, father and friend could leave behind. As I walk through life and leave “horseshoes” behind I pray that Jesus will use me to make an impact. Not a “Billy Graham” type impact, but a small voice that helps those around me.

Michael

6 years later

FYI… The picture is from 6 years ago today.

I don’t know why every year I get emotional today. 6 years ago I laid all day on an operating table as they took out cancer from my neck. Thyroid, jugular, 30 lymph nodes, and part of my neck muscle was removed. They called it a “Radical Neck Dissection”. Surgery, 26 staples and radiation later, I am thankful for 6 years cancer free. The surgery was successful to remove the cancer, but unfortunately not all went right. I am reminded everyday with moderate to extreme pain in my shoulder and neck because of all the nerve damage. I have tried a few things that help, but nothing I have tried takes the pain away. I choose to ignore it most days, but today it just seemed to remind me of the anxiety I had when I was told I had cancer.

Today is mixed with joy and anxiety. Joy for being cancer free and anxiety because of the pain level being a 9 today. CBD oil is helping (I will discuss this in a separate post), but only keeping me from going home and getting back in bed. Take time to pray for those who have cancer and who have had cancer. The pain (physical and emotional) doesn’t go away even if the cancer does.

Michael