"Mounts"

Had horses fall down with me,

That ground was softer then,

Mostly bounced and got back on,

When I rode with younger men.

I’ve rode ‘em when they’re cold-backed,

And tried to buck me off,

My bones were not as brittle,

Much more flexible and soft.

I’ve roped cattle that would turn and fight,

Dodged mad ones with wide horns,

Roped some tied on hard and fast,

Had twine from my hands torn.

Seen horses bolt in panic,

Run from things that were not there,

Had ‘em crawl right in my pocket,

Swap ends up in the air.

I guess what I am sayin’,

Is I’ve seen the worst and best,

Most gave me great pleasure,

Some put me to the test.

But you know I love the horses,

Hope there never comes a day,

When I cannot ride ‘em,

Or hear somebody say,

You’re just too old to do it,

I’ll then point to Boots O’Neal,

Who rides today at ninety-three,

And guess he always will.

Age is not just attitude,

But determination counts,

Also what you saddle up,

And how gentle are your mounts.

So on I go and thankfully,

More time to ride we’ll get,

And lots of boys like me will say,

We’ll ride the pasture yet.

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and Ii will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

Toby Keith sang a song called “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” It talks about those who must choose to live until they die. And the song is right: we have a choice. But the bottom line is that at every age we put our trust in the Lord. He made us, He provides for us, He leads us, and He will empower us. We are not finished until God says so. Since He has the last word on it, let us put all our trust in Him, to the end no matter what.

Lord, help us live until we die, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Susan Humphrey, used by permission. Thanks, Susan, and God bless you.