"Cowboys"

Sid and Dean and old RC,

And Billy Carter, too,

The ones who showed me how to be,

And what the cowboys do.

One came from New Mexico,

Hollis was his name,

He went back and this I know,

I didn’t ride the same.

‘Cause each one taught me somethin’,

‘Bout ways to get work done,

You can’t amount to nothin’,

Out there workin’ in the sun.

Some were plain and some had style,

But all would be surprised,

If they got praise after this long while,

And were somehow idolized.

I’m older now than they were then,

But they put their brand on me,

‘Cause ever since that way back when,

A cowboy I would be.

The question that you often hear,

Are you cowboy for real,

And let me say again real clear,

‘Cause this is how I feel,

Hands better than I’ll ever be,

There is no doubt you’ll find,

But cowboy ways run deep in me,

And if you get into a bind,

Mostly I can sort it out,

‘Cause the bovine storms I’ve seen,

Do what’s needed without doubt,

‘Cause it’s what I’ve done and been.

My cowboy buddies all will say,

We don’t have to prove a thing,

‘Cause they know with work or play,

They show authentic’s ring.

I tip my hat to all of them,

Their friendship means so much,

Really feel like they are kin,

They have a brother’s touch.

So long live those old cowboys,

Who live the cowboy way,

And thank the Lord for all the joys

That come to us each day.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful mn who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, NAS)

I learned to be a cowboy from cowboys. Paul told Timothy that the way to fulfill the great, disciple-making commission of Jesus was to spend time with “faithful men” who could be taught the way. Then these would mentor others in the faith and the truth would grow exponentially. Relationship is God’s methodology. No program can replace it, and anywhere a program is working is because underneath there are relationships. Find the right spiritual partners and your life will change.

Lord, connect us to the right people, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Ken Steinnerd, used by permission. Thanks, Ken, and God bless you.