I am constantly looking for a true story that just makes us feel good.

As the “Golden Girls” would say, “Now picture this!”

There is a field with two horses.

From a distance, they look like any other horses. But if you get close enough, you will notice something quite amazing.

If you look into the eye of one horse you will see it is completely blind.

The owner has chosen not to have him put down. Instead, he made a safe and wonderful home for his horse.

If you stand even closer and listen, you will hear a bell. It took a moment to find the source of the bell. You see that the bell sound comes from the other horse in the field.

Attached to the other horse’s halter is a small bell.

It lets the blind horse know where he is at all times. This way, he can follow his friend and be safe.

As you stand and watch these two horses, you will see that the horse with the bells is always checking on the blind horse.

When the horse with the bell on its halter returns to the barn each evening, he stops and looks back making sure the blind horse is not too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God doesn’t throw us away just because we aren’t perfect.

I even believe now He brings others into our lives to help us when we need help.

I know because it’s happened to me.

Sometimes, we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those whom God places in our lives.

Other times, we are the guide horse, the light to help others find the way.

By the way, good friends are like that. You may not always see them but you always know they are there.

So which are you?

Are you the guide horse or the horse that often needs to be guided?

I ask myself this question. I think I am both.

But then, aren’t we all both at one time or another?

However, I think some of us are most often the bell ringer while many more are accustomed to listening for someone else to help us.

I also know many bell ringers. They are the ones always willing and ready to lead, to help, to wait for someone behind them.

Do you know anyone who goes from bell ringer to bell ringer and they literally go through life that way? They aren’t bad people. They just know a lot of bell ringers.

Bell ringers are most often the ones who find the joy in giving to others and helping in any way they can.

I know someone in another state who just doesn’t extend a hand. He will backtrack to pick someone up and carry them if necessary.

Another young woman comes to mind. In all the years I’ve known her, I’ve never seen her turn a deaf ear or refuse to help someone.

There is the element of self confidence. Maybe there are those who would like to be bell ringers but don’t feel they have anything to give.

Does that ring a bell?

I believe most of us have been both horses at different times in our lives.

When we have it to give, we give. While when we are down, we don’t or can’t help another.

I believe I am a bell ringer but I can recall times when I could barely help myself.

The key to all of this is learning to listen carefully whether we are wanting to be a bell ringer or looking for one to help.

You have to know how to listen with your heart.

Tell you what! You listen for my bell, and I will listen for yours.

The view from the mountain is wondrous.

Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in The Sun for more than 25 years.