I never thought I’d ask a lady such a question,….. but I did. “Mam, would you mind if I took a picture of your ah, mule?” That’s probably not a question most of us have ever heard, much less said to someone. Apparently this lady has heard it plenty of times before. She immediately jumped off her mule. (guess she didn’t want to be in the picture). I snapped a few pictures and asked her a few questions.

I’m at the Horn Creek Trailhead. It’s pretty obvious she and her friend are heading out for a ride with her mules into the Colorado backcountry. Several times I’ve seen people bring their horses to ride the trails. Today I’m witnessing two mules on this journey.

“So, I’m wondering if you think your mule is stubborn,” I said as I took pictures. Her comments surprised me. “Not at all,” she said, “As a matter of fact, I consider him smart. He is sure footed, easy going, not easily spooked. But the best thing is he won’t put his foot down somewhere that he feels will cause him harm.”

“So why are they known for being stubborn?” I mean, I had to ask her that because that’s all I’ve ever heard about mules. They are stubborn.

Her conversation with me was truly enlightening. Because they tend to protect themselves from harm way more than horses, they are cautious and careful,…….. sometimes to the point of looking “stubborn”. They may not want to load into the trailer because in their eyes it will be nothing but trouble. That creek may be deeper than it looks so he’s gonna hesitate a while. (The horse on the other hand will plow right through the water, trotting (and stumbling) his way through.)

I guess that’s the difference I’ve seen between horses and mules. Horses are known for their spirit, speed, grace, and power! Mules are known for their….. stubbornness.

But as this lady told me more and more about her mule, I began to realize how valuable (and how misunderstood) is this creation of God’s called a mule.

Why did she like a mule better than a horse? Her answer was filled with pride. “Because he’s my mule!” A bond has been created between the lady and her mule that is stronger than anything a horse could offer. Remember me saying a mule is very protective and strives to stay away from harm? So he is also with his owner. They develop a close bond. Mules tend to remember things (both good and bad). He will go out of his way to protect himself and his rider. I’d want that characteristic for sure on some of these trails out here. Try riding on a three foot wide trail. Especially one that drops off on one side straight down for about fifty feet. (that’s what I’ve been told is the drop off distance,……. I’m too scared to look for myself!)

I think I want to be more like a mule. Especially in these “crazy” times we are facing and living in. I want to travel my life’s path with a “sure-footed walk”. Don’t let the doubts and fears take over. I want to live my life in an “easy going” mule kinda way. That translates to not letting the “things of this world” bother me so much. I want to enjoy this God-given abundant life without being “easily spooked”.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 1 Corinthians 13:11

MY owner (God) and His Cowboy Son (Jesus) have a deep bond with me. I have a deep bond with them as well. This journey will have highs and lows, ups and downs, laughter and tears. But knowing that I’m becoming sure footed, easy going, and not easily spooked will allow me to experience God in ways that only us “mules” can understand!

Can I get an AMEN! Can I get a Hallelujah! Can I get a HEE HAW!!!!! 😉

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher

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