"This Life"

Early of a mornin’,

Before the sun is high,

Ridin’ the big circle ,

Underneath a clear, blue sky.

Lookin’ for the cattle,

In pastures scarce of fence,

Checkin’ every water gate,

For where the bovine went.

Movin’ babies with their mamas,

To better places so to graze,

Doctorin’ the sick ones,

Some we haven’t seen in days.

Just somethin’ like a calling,

Or the feelin’ that you get,

When you know you’re headed home,

But you haven’t got there yet.

It’s a life that has adventure,

Says you can still be free,

Closer to the land and soil,

The way things ought to be.

Some who get to do it,

Don’t think about it much,

Out there off the grid somewhere,

Away from drama and all such.

But knowing the Creator,

Not as a distant judge,

But no doubt His living presence,

Standing near to give a nudge,

To keep us riding right directions,

With His strength for all our days,

Thank God we get to cowboy,

And will live this life always.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3, NAS)

Being shepherded by Jesus has wonderful benefits. He meets our deepest needs and leads us into the quiet places we need to rest. He quenches our thirst and fills our lives with purpose. We are led in paths of righteousness, not for our sake, but for His. That’s because we are called to make an impact, in Jesus’ name. it’s time all of us learned to live on purpose, relying on the Lord to lead the way.

Lord, lead our lives, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.