"Billy Cook"

Many wide circles since I rode that dun,

On a Billy Cook duckbill saddle,

Tied on twine to make that run,

When after those wild cattle.

Flashbacks of crossbreds jumping fence,

Usin’ dogs to get ‘em back,

Things I remember ever since,

I rode that Greenville kack.

Lost in some old trade you know,

I have good saddles now,

Better ones I have to show,

But in my mind somehow,

That one helped me learn to rope,

And served me well for years,

Somehow gave me future hope,

To measure up to peers.

That thing I bought in ’64,

When I was twelve years old,

All the time that went before,

Was kids’ play truth be told.

But when I toed the stirrup,

Of that ropin’ saddle then,

It was time for me to stir up,

The courage to contend,

With all the expectations,

Of the cowboys that I knew,

And their congratulations,

Had to be earned it’s true.

Funny how the past things,

That somehow we have lost,

Remind of the last things,

That came at such a cost.

What I’m sayin’ is I’m learning,

From all I’ve Ieft behind,

To pick which bridge I’m burning,

So I can always find,

The way to please the Savior,

And cowboy up for Him,

Rein in my behavior,

And selfish habits trim.

Use all the gifts He’s given,

From the past up till today,

Living Spirit-driven,

In all I do and say.

“For if you are living according to the flesh you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NAS)

Every experience we have had, if surrendered to the Lord, becomes a catalyst for learning how to better die to ourselves and be led by the Spirit. When we look back at learning moments in the natural we often see comparable spiritual lessons that can be applied to daily living. Getting that old saddle was a turning point in my young cowboy life. Getting the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in my later life became a new adventure of serving the Lord! The more we learn to die to self the more powerful our lives will be for Jesus.

Lord, teach us how to let the Spirit lead, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.