Last summer, I took Randy, my Haflinger pony, to a church picnic to give pony rides. The picnic was a few miles away along quiet country roads, so I rode Randy there.

Afterward, we headed home. I started thinking this was a long day — just for a few pony rides. Was it worth it?

With several miles to go, Randy stopped and whinnied, even though there were no other people or horses around. In the only house near us, a dog started barking. A woman came out and asked if she could pet my pony. Of course, I said “sure.”

We chatted for a bit, then the woman said, “Mom misses her horses so much. She would love this.”

I learned that her elderly parents, both housebound from illness, lived on the adjoining lot. So Randy and I wandered over to where “Mom” could see him.

The old woman hurried out the door, removing her oxygen tank in her eagerness to see the horse. She hugged Randy and, for a few moments, all was right with her world.

In all the years I’ve lived here, I have never ridden on that road. And Randy never whinnies for no reason.

That day, God had plans for us. One of His children needed some sunshine in her soul, and He used us to spread His love. I’m just glad I went along for the ride.