"Circle"

Son, what are you doing now,

Back then I drove a truck,

I was college-educated,

Dad thought it was bad luck.

But drivin’ that old diesel,

My heart was still horseback,

Just tryin’ to make a livin’,

Ahead of bills and lack.

For awhile I sold those Craftsman tools,

Inside down at the mall,

But my heart was back there on the ranch,

Still heard the cattle call.

Part-time I did house-painting,

Knew how to get that done,

But I was still a-thinkin’,

‘Bout yearlings on the run.

I even waited tables,

Learned lots ‘bout how to serve,

Described the nightly special,

And never lost my nerve.

But even while a-doin’ that,

I thought I need to go,

Where I can take care on the hoof,

Instead of plates, you know.

‘Course I’ve done the church work,

Pastored, preached and such,

Even went to seminary,

And God taught me so much.

But in it all and through it all,

I had this cowboy dream,

I gave it up to Jesus,

An open hand, no cling.

But it never went away,

And now the circle closed,

I still preach and pastor,

But the cowboy in me rose.

Now we’re out in the country,

And Texas is our home,

A pasture full of horses,

And I am not alone.

When I say this way of life,

The way my folks raised me,

Is something that I treasure,

And it will always be.

And if the Good Lord’s willing,

We will do our best,

To live our lives the cowboy way,

And share His peace and rest.

“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, NLT).

If we have the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, God restores to us what Jesus called “super-abundant” life. This means that if we have the right spiritual priority, He will bless us with all kinds of great things, including the desires of our hearts. No, not if we are selfish or hurtful or wanting to do something immoral. It’s never happiness on our terms. But the surrendered life is truly something to enjoy, not just endure. It’s not without trials, suffering and challenges. But it also about doing and enjoying life’s big adventure, with HIs full blessing. If that’s how we live on the way to heaven, more people will want to go with us.

Lord, help us to enjoy, not just endure life, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jamie Means, jamiemeanswesternart.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Jamie, and God bless you.