"Cowboy Camp"

We have this place by the rodeo stands,

You just go down the hill,

And at the end the friends and fans,

Know that we gather still,

At a spot we call the cowboy camp,

They come to cook and eat,

Another round to see old friends,

And there new ones to meet.

The smoker full of brisket,

Or some other Texas plate,

Get gravy with your biscuit,

And we can hardly wait.

A hub for fun and laughter,

Stories, jokes and lies,

Some straight out of the pasture,

Or arena buckle tries.

Sometimes it’s filled with young folks,

A legacy they chase,

Wives and kids and slowpokes,

With a country kind of grace.

And it’s hats and boots and spurs of course,

‘Cause it’s a cowboy nook,

From there you see and smell your horse,

And many a rein’s been took.

A little slice of history,

A throwback to the day,

When with a slower pace, you see,

We took the time to say,

Words to someone sittin’ there,

With whom we felt connected,

Spent because we gave a care,

And never once suspected,

That this thing could slip away,

Just when we were not lookin’,

Replaced by something not okay,

Fast food not down home cookin’.

So come on out and sit right down,

You’ll be the posse’s guest,

Out there on the edge of town,

Get western with the rest.

It’s where the west is fun and wild,

But laid back just enough,

To bring the young and old- each child,

The gentle and the tough.

Cowboy camp is not the cure,

For everything’s that wrong,

But one thing I know for sure,

No doubt it’s Texas strong.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:14, NAS)

We all need the connection that good relationships provide. Sometimes the place where that happens is important, too. I suspect that as wonderful as technology can be, at times we are more disconnected and isolated than ever. We should be proactive about connecting with people for every right reason. Unity is important to God, and it’s based on the highest virtue- love. If we care we will go out of our way to listen and open up to others. Life is best-lived when shared with those we love.

Lord, teach us to connect in love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.