Even the mustangs are fighting.
Driving to Bible study one week ago, we noticed something new. Five stallions were grazing on the unusually green desert. Stopping in the middle of the road, we watched. Not the familiar band we’ve come to know over time, two horses were striking greys, a rare and beautiful sight out here.
One of the best things about living out here in the wilds is that it’s possible to stop right in the middle of the road for any reason. Especially for front row seats to a battle between two wild mustangs. That would be impossible in New York City or San Francisco. But out here on the high desert plains of northwestern Nevada, there’s no need to pull to the side if you’re the only car for miles. There are a different set of rules out here in the wild west.
Sitting quietly, we were drawn in by the scene. And then, without warning, the peace shattered and the fighting began.
Sharp hooves found their mark. Powerful back legs kicked high into the air. Front hooves struck with precision. Bared teeth, snapping and biting, found flesh. Their snorting filled the air and mixed with the churn of fresh desert dust rising around them. It was intense, wild, and impossible to look away from.
In the distance stood one white mare.
She was separate from the chaos, quietly watching. In that moment, I recognized her as the same white mare who once stood faithfully outside my bedroom window when I was newly widowed, as if keeping silent watch over me in those long, lonely nights. And now, she watched again.
These stallions fought for her as well as for territory and dominance. Something as old as time itself unfolded as she remained still. Observing. Watching. Waiting. This scene was riveting.
As real world nations clash, leaving people divided, in the quiet of the desert, similar struggles plays out. The strongest claim their ground. Sage brush fights for sunlight, choking out its neighbor. Five stallions battle for the attention of one mare. All this to the rhythm of life in a fallen world. Both unsettling and strangely clarifying, this isn’t new or surprising, but simply the way of things… for now.
As we watched the dust settle and the horses begin to separate, I felt a quiet gratitude rise within me. A reminder that this is not the end of the story. We’re not meant to live forever in a world defined by struggle and conflict. There’s a promise of peace, love, and harmony waiting for us, where struggles will cease and our souls will find rest. A place where there’ll br no more fighting or wounds to heal.
Heaven.
Until then, we’ll watch, live, and learn. Moving through a world both beautiful and broken, hold onto the truth that something better is ahead. For now, even the mustangs fight.
