"Then and Now"

I think about my time spent out,

A-horseback way back when,

With crazy steers, ignoring fears,

Thought we were cowboys then.

And I can’t say I lived the way,

Of punchers I’ve compared,

But close enough to know the stuff,

They did was how we fared.

It’s just about the care no doubt,

Of bovine from a horse,

To do your best when came the test,

To keep ‘em well, of course.

And move them, see, where they should be,

But did not want to go,

To use your rope and try to cope,

When they escaped, you know.

Some could care less, and I’ll confess,

I think I understand,

Assume it’s gone, we prove ‘em wrong,

When we still ride for the brand.

We love the past though coming fast,

New ways to get things done,

But the cowboy way is here to stay,

It’s how we’ll always run.

So cowboy up and crank that truck,

And let’s go haul a load,

Ranching best and never rest,

Till we get those horses rode.

Don’t cuss TV and what they see,

Whene’er they turn it on,

Don’t get confused, or feel abused,

About old Yellowstone.

‘Cause now there’s zest about the west,

They’ve gone to buy a hat,

With cowboy boots and in cahoots,

With Hollywood, all that.

But, you see, they want to be,

And that really is okay,

Better this than all out miss,

Life lived the horseback way.

And those of us, too blessed to fuss,

When we had the chance to go,

A riding man and we still can,

Go get it done you know.

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:2, NLT)

The ancient teaching methods are still the best. Knowledge is most readily learned in the context of relationship, where people who know pass along their knowledge by mentoring others. This does not mean that the classroom is obsolete, but it can never replace personal tutelage. The best cowboys learned from tenured hands who knew what they were doing. The same is true with spiritual formation and discipleship. Jesus employed this method and so did Paul. It matters how we do it, and we want to find God’s highest and best.

Lord, help us pass along to others what has been passed to us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jason Rich, used by permission. Thanks, Jason, and God bless you.