As the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force it to drink.”

But the saying doesn’t include the story’s conclusion: the horse will drink ... eventually.

In the meantime, it’s no use yelling at the horse. Shaming it. Telling the horse that it’s lazy. Pointing out how all the other horses are drinking. Feeling anxious because the horse isn’t doing what you want it to do.

So between the time you lead a horse to water and the time it drinks, be patient. Quietly encourage without frustration.

You led the horse to water because of generosity. As you stand by the water’s edge, remember that true generosity is patient. It creates opportunity without demanding outcome.

It’s an act of love that leads a horse. And it’s an act of love that waits for the horse to be ready.

We must know, too, that when it is ready … the horse may seek waters unfamiliar to us.