The horse wondered what was beyond their island and the vast, beautiful ocean that surrounded it. If there was something more out there, he wanted to go and find it.
However, there was no way off the island for the young horse. It frustrated him greatly. So the horse did the only thing he could. And he prayed for God to send him a way off of the island.
Father, if You could allow me off this island, please show me the way. I would love nothing more then to travel and see the farthest corners of Your creation.
It was short, but sincere and the horse quoted it every hour that day, racing back and forth along the beach and meadows. Come twilight, the horse fell asleep on the sand, exhausted. He woke in the early morning, but instead of pale rays of sun, there was an angry wind pushing gray clouds close to the island. The horse immediately trotted for the caves, where he and the others would be safe. The clouds grew darker and lightening cracked before heavy raindrops began falling over the grass and the horse's back. The horse looked back as the clouds went black and purple...
Suddenly a terrible flash of lightening shot down from the sky! The horse felt himself suspended in its light for a moment... then a searing pain along his back. The lightening had struck him! His legs kicked wildly as he fell to his side, writhing in the white-hot torment. He couldn't breathe or think beyond this terrible pain that now consumed his body. As fast as he was, he couldn't move, except to whinny and moan as the pain continued. God, I am in pain! Make it stop! Make it stop... or have me die!
The horse didn't know how long til he finally passed out, only that upon waking up, the pain had been replacing with stiffness and dizziness. And a weight that the horse did not recognize. Did I die?
But a glance around told the horse he was still at home on the island. Surrounded by his horse kinsmen, who all gaped at him with wonder and fear. The horse, though he stumbled, stood, and realized why. He was heavier because a strong, wide set of graceful wings now adorned his back!
The lightening! The horse turned in an excited circle, testing the movement of his new wings. Just as quickly though, he remembered the pain, his own wish for death. Bending a foreleg, the horse bowed to the heavens. Forgive me, Father. And, I thank You.
Then the horse arose, feeling the wind sweep under his wings. He gathered his strength in his legs... and with a mighty push, he soared into the air!
THE END
