Let me tell you a story about a little donkey named Pedro.  He lived with some men who mistreated him.  They would beat him with sticks and 2 x 4’s.  When they got drunk they would throw beer cans and bottles at him and then have contests to see if they could make his legs collapse.  The neighbors would call the police but nothing could be done.  Even though he wasn’t tied up most of the time and the gate to his yard was open,  he wouldn’t run away.  Evidently donkeys are like that, they are patient and faithful.  They are also social and like being with people and animals, even bad ones.  Eventually the men went to jail for other things and Pedro was rescued.  Today he lives on a rescue ranch with many other donkeys.

I kept thinking how this story reminded me of Jesus.  He was beaten and mistreated.  He was forced to carry his own cross until his legs collapsed, and as he hung on the cross people yelled and threw things at him.  But he never ran away.  Through all his suffering and pain, he never fought back or ran away.  He never runs away.  Although He is in heaven with his heavenly Father he remains with us. As we journey through the season of Lent, He is there to hear your troubles, share your joys, to comfort you, and be your eternal friend.  He loves you unconditionally always.     

Nancy