"Cowboy Ways"

The riders whom I knew before,

Were heroes in my eyes,

Cowboys who all knew the score,

Their memory age defies.

And though most now are dead and gone,

Their image still I see,

Young and fearless, ever strong,

I thought they’d always be.

They rode the pastures of my youth,

Penned and doctored cattle,

Taught me well and that’s the truth,

‘Bout life lived in the saddle.

There was Sidney Joe and Uncle Sweet,

And Bill and Ray and Dean,

Working hands real hard to beat,

The best you’ve ever seen.

And, yes, they sure embarrassed me,

Every chance they could,

Laughed and teased unmercifully,

I always knew they would.

And if they liked you that’s the way,

They showed you were their friend,

They’d do it almost everyday,

You’d best have a thick skin.

But when time came to catch a cow,

Or doctor one that’s sick,

They expected me to rope somehow,

And get there mighty quick.

Just a kid but there we were,

With cowboy work to do,

It never once to me occurred,

That one day they’d be through.

And now I’m older than they were,

When we rode all those miles,

But I see their shadows near, yessir,

And all their jokes and smiles.

Thank You, Lord, for cowboy days,

When still we horseback go,

Remembering the cowboy ways,

That we were glad to know.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of Your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of Your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.” (Psalm 143:10-11, NLT)

We all need to be taught. No matter what path in life we take, those who have been there are the best mentors. In our walk with the Lord, it is all-important that we become teachable. David prayed that the Lord would teach him, lead him, and preserve his life. He understood the source of his strength and wisdom. If we walk in humility we can find the Spirit’s leadership. He loves our cooperation.

Lord, teach us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.