"Starbucks in the Pasture"

Look-ee there, you see it?

In the pasture we once knew,

They’ve gone and built a Starbucks,

And never had a clue,

That where they mix their lattes,

And coffee for four dollars,

We used to chase wild cattle,

With a lot of whoops and hollers.

I’ve roped ‘em where the drive-through,

Is busy day and night,

And where they have the carry-out,

We kept our dallies tight.

I’ll admit that when I saw it,

A wave swept over me,

Felt like some sorta dinosaur,

That’s gone extinct, you see.

‘Cause what once was cowboy country,

Is served by boys with buns,

Not that I’m judgmental,

Or trying to make fun,

But it’s just so derned different,

From the horseback life I knew,

Hardly thought that progress,

Would go this way, it’s true.

And now I think I understand,

Why they say “good old days,”

Is all about what some folks miss,

And all those down home ways.

Maybe we just long for,

A kinder, simpler time,

Not as many choices,

Waiting in some drive-through line.

And if the Good Lord listens,

And we believe He will,

Find a pasture with no Starbucks,

And there be quiet and still.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need…” (Mt. 6:33, NLT)

Jesus makes this the answer to the stress and worry about life and what we need to be happy. It’s all about focus, and the priorities we set. Jesus says we should seek God’s Kingdom, and trust Him to supply us with what we need. What does this mean exactly? We know that we do not earn salvation by anything we do for God. Salvation is a free gift based upon God’s unmerited favor. But those who have received this grace are called to live a different way, making as their top and central priority God’s rule or control of their lives. To seek it means to proactively surrender our will to Him, and then really trust Him to provide for us. It’s live this way, or fall back into the wrong-headed and wrong-hearted thinking of those who don’t believe, and are blown about by their fears and anxiety. There’s plenty to worry about, but seeking the Kingdom means you turn all those concerns over to the Lord and receive in return the peace that only He can give.

Lord, help us seek Your Kingdom above the clutter and clamor of this world’s progress, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Boaldin, artofthecowboy.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.