"Old Hands"

They sit there and laugh, writing their epitaph,

The stories from their horseback days,

Pastures with brush and rivers that rush,

Chasin’ cattle the old cowboy ways.

We have a need for this dying breed,

To tell us how thing used to be,

‘Fore trailers and such, were needed so much,

Long trottin’ the miles for to see.

They can tell us of wrecks and old what the hecks,

When horses would oft buck away,

And cattle got mean, and unless you were keen,

Would escape when you thought they would stay.

Friends whom they knew, respect that they grew,

For those who would do what was asked,

Ride for the brand, and plumb make a hand,

Die tryin’ to do all they were tasked.

They speak of what’s dear, of God who is near,

No afraid of who might disagree,

Out there heard His call, and real above all,

Is the Savior who still sets men free.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

God uses us to sharpen each other. This is especially true when God gives us friends who are farther along and can mentor us. Listening to their stories gives us valuable counsel that can save us lots of trouble. We gain wisdom in the company of the wise, and grow stronger through the God-assigned relationships of support and accountability. We need those who will neither judge or excuse us.

Lord, give us friends who will sharpen us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt, used by permission. Thanks, Robert, and God bless you.