Idle musings

The other day we were at some friends’ house and they were talking about their experience meeting the race horse John Henry. The horse is very famous and has many awards. But, he is mean. Not just mean, but mean. He will bite at you for no apparent reason. Besides, that, he is old, 32 years old, which is ancient for a horse. They told us that when he is in his stable, his head and ears hang down; he has drool coming out of his mouth; he looks old.

But, when they bring him out into the public for the Hall of Champions—what a change. His head comes up; his ears perk up; he comes alive. You would never know he was the same horse! But, he is still mean. As they were watching the show they noticed that his handler was being quite cautious. Once, she let her attention be diverted just a bit and John Henry noticed. He tried to take a bite out of her! She gave him a solid fist to the nose to bring him back into line.

Are you seeing any parallels here? If ever there were a picture of humanity, this has to be it. We hide in our corners, feeling sorry for ourselves and drooling all over everything. But, bring us out to the public, and —poof— we are a changed person. The façade goes up; the protective shield goes up; we become perfect people! Problems? Not us! Worries? Never! Cares? Not a chance!

But, we’re still mean! We are always looking for a chance to bite those around us, especially our handler, God. I’m glad he doesn’t use a solid hit to the nose, but he has his ways of getting our attention that are just as effective.