"Old Pards"

I miss ‘em I can’t help it,

My cowboy friends, you know,

Ain’t no doubt about it,

It was hard to see ‘em go.

I know they are in heaven,

Ridin’ range at Jesus’ side,

Still wearin’ that old Stetson,

And well-mounted there astride.

And, no, they wouldn’t come back,

Even if they could,

In heaven there is no lack,

‘Cause everything’s so good.

But, man, sometimes I’m thinkin’,

About just one more call,

And no, I ain’t been drinkin’,

Just love to hear ‘em, y’all.

Or one more time a-horseback,

Out where the breezes blow,

Imagine just the impact,

Of sharing that, you know.

Old Bart and, yes, my good friend Mark,

Don’t seem so far away,

But death’s reality is stark,

That’s all I’ve got to say.

And one day we will ride again,

Together in that place,

When I come from where I’ve been,

To see the Savior’s face.

And so old pards I’m missing you,

As that Texas sun goes down,

I’ll be there when life is through,

God knows the final round.

“And just as each person is destine to die once and after that comes judgement, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28, NLT)

We all must die, but for the Christian believer there is no dread or fear. This is because Jesus assures us of our eternal security through His shed blood on the cross. We miss those who have gone before, but we know that ultimately we will join them here, there or in the air. Jesus is coming again for all who eagerly look forward to His coming. And so, in the end, death is only a doorway into that realm here there is no more parting. It’s going to be wonderful.

Lord, help us look forward to eternity with You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.