"Cowboy View"

A cowboy’s view is different,

He has a country lens,

Measures grass and seasons,

And values old has beens.

Sure, he can spur and gallop,

But reins to a slower pace,

More likely in a long trot,

As he moves from place to place.

He’s learned to pay attention,

To the habits of the cow,

And knows what she’ll be doing,

Before she does somehow.

As long as people need the beef,

That is cooked and served and eaten,

There’ll be someone to raise ‘em,

So the cowboy way’s not beaten.

Though technology has changed it,

It still comes down to this,

Horseback men still willing,

To work so we don’t miss,

A life of land and weather,

And seasons as they turn,

Far from the towns and cities,

There are lessons there to learn.

From those who hold a different view,

Than this world’s rush to fame,

It’s quiet, strong and simple,

And very near the same,

As those who lived here long ago,

Who’ve now passed from the scene,

And though they had their failings,

Their perception was real keen.

They prayed and loved and worked the land,

They held to values true,

They never shirked a single chore,

And did what they could do.

So when you see that cowboy hat,

Pulled low against the sun,

Don’t forget what he can do,

Or what he might have done.

 ‘A smile, a nod, a wave- he’s gone,

Cause the work, it cannot wait,

A willing hand, his ethic’s real,

For the cows he won’t be late.

“…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your own hands, just we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NAS)

There’s something holy about work, especially the hands-on kind. The first couple’s first assignment was to work the garden that God had given them. This was before they sinned! Do you get the picture? Their work made them productive and it was part of their fellowship with God. I don’t think it’s a stretch to believe that Paul saw work in the same way. He counseled the Thessalonian converts to faithfully work for two reasons - to be a witness and provide for their needs. it’s still excellent counsel, and wisdom that goes against the entitlement mindset of today. Let’s get on with it.

Lord, teach us the value of work, in Jesus’ name.

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