"Big Rowels"

His spur rowels always tapping,

On his saddle tree’s back girth,

Old Badger didn’t mind it,

With cattle showed his worth.

A flea-bit gray and speckled,

But as steady as they come,

Billy rode old Badger,

With a walk or trot or run.

And he didn’t know he did it,

But he showed so much to me,

About the way to cowboy,

And a-horseback, don’t you see?

He wore spurs with big rowels,

To me the way they were,

Exactly what a spur should be,

And no one could deter,

When i was grown I bought some,

A fellow made for me,

Out of un-used blue-steel horseshoe rasps,

And big rowels you can see.

They don’t make me a cowboy,

But no doubt they show some punch,

And when I tap those back girths,

I have a little hunch,

That my friend, Billy Carter,

Looks down from heaven’s range,

And smiles down on my riding,

To see there’s little change,

From how he used to cowboy,

And the way I do it now,

He was an early mentor,

With big rowels showed me how.

“Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others…” (2 Tim. 2:2, NLT)

The best way to learn anything is from a mentor. I know, the classroom has its place, but nothing beats the personal connection and impact of a coach who spends time with you and shows you the ropes. That’s exactly what Jesus did with His twelve disciples, and then told them to go make disciples of the nations. Paul told Timothy to find trustworthy people who would then be able to train others. That’s how influence is multiplied and lives are permanently changed. And it’s a principle that will work no matter the culture or historical context. That’s because it’s all about relationships that reproduce spiritual life through every-widening circles of influence. It’s something to think and pray about.

Lord, help us find faithful people who will transfer what they have learned to others, in Jesus’ name.

Photo of our friend, Brent Prince, used by permission. Thanks, Brent, and God bless you.