"Balance"

When the wind blows strong and the day is long,

And you think will I get through,

With all these chores, both mine and yours,

There’s just so much to do.

I think of Dad, the years he had,

The cattle bought and sold,

The land acquired till he got tired,

And if the truth be told,

I wonder now if Dad somehow,

Would do it all again.

A life of sweat, to go and get,

All those days back when.

There’s no excuse for those who lose,

Because they do not try,

A lazy man who won’t, but can,

Is worthless as a lie.

But I guess, more can be less,

If you’re by work consumed,

We find our best if there’s some rest,

Before hard work’s resumed.

And so no doubt it’s to balance out,

And pace all of your try,

Find the joy when you cowboy,

And do so till you die.

Like in the song, you can’t go wrong,

Give that old man a grin,

But say so long and get him gone,

And never let him in.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT)

Someone has aptly said: “Work like it all depends on you; pray like it all depends on God.” Well, which is it? I think the answer is yes to both. There is no doubt we are totally dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit to do anything of eternal value. That said, it’s important for us to be unreservedly available and willing to put sweat equity into every God-given project. This applies to what we do for a living and ministry as well. Our lives become an ongoing advertisement of God’s grace. We show it, share it, and explain it at every opportunity.

Lord, help us to receive Your approval because we cooperate with Your will, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen, cowhorsegallery.com, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.