"Why?"

Is there a reason why, you ask me,

Many folks enquired the same,

While so much world has passed me,

Going after wealth and fame.

And guess I’ve asked myself sometimes,

When struggling to be true,

What is it ‘bout those catch twines,

And cowboy work to do,

That grips a man and captures,

His effort and his mind,

In spite of falls and fractures,

And trailing far behind.

A chasin’ something some despise,

Or say does not exist,

And that my thinkin’ can’t be wise,

If somehow I insist,

On catching my old pony,

And stepping in the saddle,

Though they often disapprove,

When I go gather cattle.

That cowboy bug, it bit me,

When wet behind the ears,

And it has never quit me,

After all these years.

I asked the Lord to tell me,

He told me not to quit,

In fact the Lord upheld me,

Said surrender all, that’s it.

I give my life to Jesus,

I give to Him my horse,

It’s Jesus who will free us,

To live for Him of course.

It’s learning that the essence,

Of all we have and are,

Defined by His own presence,

It’s up to Him by far.

And not what others tell you,

‘Bout what you ought to do,

‘Cause they will often fail you,

But God alone is true.

So cowboy up and cowboy on,

And do the best you can,

God’s love will help you get along,

And follow His own plan.

“So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son…” (Ephesians 1:6, NLT)

Many people have a very narrow view of what it means to be a Christian. I know Jesus said He offered a “narrow way,” and I believe it. But we are not called to be clones of each other as believers, and the narrow way looks different from person to person. It’s the same when it comes to morality and character, but there is great variety in God’s plan in how we personally express His grace. As long as that expression is within the bounds of what the Bible teaches, we are free to pursue our dreams and plans as the Lord gives opportunity. Whether one makes a living horseback or in the corporate world or with accelerated technology, as long as we live our lives in surrender to Jesus and are thankful for His grace, He will bless us.

Lord, help us celebrate the grace You have poured out on us, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Stephanie Roundy, used by permission. Thanks, Stephanie, and God bless you.