Commentary: Be kind all the time

Sadly, the ending of the year 2012 will mostly be remembered for man’s inhumanity to man as witnessed in the town of Newtown, Conn.
Each year’s end, I have made, and tried to follow, one New Year’s resolution. Some have been serious, some humorous — and, I might add, some I have given up on before the year’s end.
A few days ago, I received a Christmas card from a friend with the following story of “Two Horses” tucked inside the card, written by an unknown author.
 
Two Horses
Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. 
Looking into the eyes of one of the horses will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to put him down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you will see how she is always checking on him and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. 
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Good friends are like this. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there. 
Please listen for my bell, and I’ll listen for yours. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
 
After reading this story, my 2013 New Year’s resolution became apparent to me. I shall ring my bell as often as possible, and I invite each of you to join in.
– Colly Gruczelak is a Ben Lomond resident and the founder of the Santa Cruz Mountain Gourmet Dinner Club.