"Tired"

Tired, so tired, I can’t go on,

Just weak and way too spent,

That’s what he said, a sad old song,

I knew just what he meant.

Out riding hard to get things done,

Long days with little rest,

Fightin’ cattle on the run,

Though he had done his best.

And now his mount had come up lame,

His other cholicked down,

He said it’s just a crying shame,

We hauled his horse to town.

Got that one doctored, seen about,

And for supper fed him steak,

Saddled early, tired no doubt,

Said one more round we’ll make.

And in his eyes I thought I saw,

What might have passed for hope,

As we loped up the dusty draw,

And took down both our ropes.

Penned a few got three head caught,

And took a break at noon,

Then right back I really thought,

To gather, none too soon.

And then we found a hundred head,

A-hidin’ that he missed,

Got ‘em turned before they fled,

He just needed some assist.

The sun set low the gate we flung,

He sat there with a smile,

Made the count and down we swung,

And rested there awhile.

When you’ve spent it all and done,

All that you can do,

Remember God’s the only one,

Who’s there and cares for you.

He sends a brother and a friend,

To give it one more try,

It ain’t over till He says,

And that is true, no lie.

He gives the strength for one more round,

No telling what comes next,

The harvest strong may yet be found,

When at last the Lord directs.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT)

We all run out of strength sometime. That’s when the Lord typically does two things. He sends someone to help us, and if we’re paying attention, we let them assist us. He also sends unexpected strength and an energy that we might not have even known we had. Both combine to help us go again, and that’s what important. Sometimes people quit just before the biggest win. Don’t, because help is on the way.

Lord, help us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen, used by permission. (cowhorsegallery.com). Thanks, and God bless.