Second Chances
I love second chances. Whether they are a second chance at love, or a second chance with family after a mistake. I can’t get enough of the joy that comes from thinking you’ve reached the end and God says, “Hold on. Let’s try this.” And of course, it’s perfect because it was God’s plan. Our perspective of what we thought is not always what God sees.
This week, I experienced one of those moments in a round-about way. Believe it or not, it had to do with this guy.
Meet Hoss. He’s a fifteen-year-old gelding who worked as a therapy horse with autistic kids. Not long ago, he became blind in one eye and could no longer work as a therapy horse. No one wanted him. He was too old. And blind. Two strikes. He wouldn’t have time to earn a third.
Long story short, a woman we’ve known for years called my dad and asked if he wanted the horse. He talked with my mom, who said it was up to him. He waffled. He prayed.
He said he’d take Hoss.
Hoss now has a second chance at life.
The next day, my dad asked if I wanted a horse and sent me Hoss’ picture. Bear in mind, my dad had already agreed to take the horse. My answer had no bearing on his decision. He had no idea I’d been praying over the decision to start riding again.
See. We sold all our horses several years ago. There were reasons. It was the best decision at the time.
But times have changed, and the desire to have horses again was burning bright in my heart.
Dad had no idea.
I got a second chance to return to my roots. Hoss is settling in well. He’s learning to accommodate for the lack of his eye, and even if I was never able to ride him, I’d have said yes. He’s earned it. Hoss is a reminder that God hears us when we pray. Even if we don’t get an answer right away (I only had to wait two weeks this time, but I’ve had ten-year waiting periods before), He’s working things out to our good. We’re taking this second chance together.
And he’s totally getting a spotlight in my next cowboy romance series I’m plotting out right now.
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha's genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
Love second chances with animals.
Hi, Tabitha!
I love second chances, especially when they mean that a heart’s desire that is right and good can be found in spite of some human hurdle. Years ago the church I grew up in went through a very tough time. I was involved in finding a new pastor. The church was small. The community was small. There seemed to be little interest. Finally, someone connected with a former pastor of the church who was willing to come. One of the biggest things by which God assured me that this was His doing was the fact that the man was 71 years old and he wanted to serve. Up to that point, everyone had told him he was too old, he should go enjoy his retirement. But God. The Lord had a second chance for this man. He came and served that little church until he was, in fact, ready to retire. God’s purposes were achieved. The church that no one wanted got a pastor. A man who longed to serve was given a place of service instead of being forced out to pasture. And I was given the assurance that God was still in charge and able to get the job done.
Yes, praise God for second chances that speak to the deepest needs of our hearts!
I’m glad Hoss is getting his spotlight moment.
What an awesome story. So glad Hoss is settling in well and that your desire to have a horse again was answered with a “yes” so quickly.
How wonderful for both you and Hoss!! I love second chances, too!!
Me too. They’re always so grateful to have someone believe in them.
I love this, Lincoln. I’m glad the pastor wasn’t put out to pasture until it was indeed his time to retire. His love for service is great indeed.
He’s earned it. And I have the perfect story for him.
Me too. I wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived, but he’s been absolutely wonderful.
They’re great! I love when the opportunity arises to show grace with second chances.
I love second chances! One of my favorite troupes in books are second chance or reunion romance. There’s just something about the history that was built between the hero & heroine and then working out the reasons WHY the relationship didn’t last. To me, finding the forever love with that person is all the sweeter!
It also reminds me that God has given us a second chance. We mess up a lot in our everyday life but he never turns His back on us & forgives us if we ask. He redeemed me at my worst & I am so grateful that He never stopped loving me and wooing me back to Him.
I love Hoss, he’s such a beautiful horse! I am so happy that you gave him that second chance at life. Stories about animals getting that perfect family when no one else wanted them is so heartwarming to me. And writing a story revolving around Hoss is going to be sweet! :-)
Hi Tabitha, so glad you got what you had been praying for, Hoss is Beautiful, and yes everyone deserves a second chance. God always hears our prayers and He always answers our prayers. I am so very happy for you. Have a Great rest of the day and a great rest of the week. God Bless you and your family.
He is Beautiful!
So much love for this! Second chances in romance is one of my favorites too. I need answers to all the questions.
God is so good to take us in, with all our broken pieces. I can never give Him enough to make up for the blessings He’s given me.
Hoss is very happy to be with us. He’s going to be a great help in my book series, and he’s the sweetest horse I’ve worked with in a long time.
Thank you, Alicia. I love when I get the chance to see things work out like they did with Hoss. Second chances are such a wonderful experience. Have a great week and God bless you as well.
Thank you! He’s an absolute sweetheart.
How wonderful you’ve been able to help Hoss with his second chance.
I love second chances for people & animals
Second chances are a great thing as long as the person or animal never did bad things to you.
I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, animals or humans … and that is precisely the basis of the gospel. Jesus redeems us and gives us another chance.
I love how you got Hoss. I also think many animals who get a second chance know it and will show it.