"Cowboy Tradition"

They say they love tradition,

But they love their AC, too,

You wonder if young cowboys,

Would really like to do,

What the hands of  yester-year,

Had to do and why,

Would they make the muster,

Or quit before they try.

‘Cause it was worse than most of us,

Could ever really know,

Hard to measure misery,

Through all they had to go.

Endless threat of weather,

Clothes and gear threadbare,

No medical attention,

‘Cause they couldn’t get it there.

Hard to ride old ponies,

And cattle on the prod,

Swollen rivers, rough old country,

Over which they had to trod.

Outlaws who would kill you,

The threat of native tribes,

Stampedes uncontrollable,

And count who still survives.

Not to put  young cowboys down,

Or those who love the cowboy way,

But I bet those old punchers,

Would trade theirs for our today.

And when you stop to really think,

Of all that they went through,

Maybe just be thankful,

For all we have, it’s true,

That makes our lives much safer,

Though challenges are real,

Please forgive my ramblings,

It’s just the way I feel.

Sometimes can’t help but wonder,

If we went back in time,

Would we still want to cowboy up,

And get it done just fine.

Guess some things we’ll never know,

‘Bout all that went before,

But we’ll work hard the best we can,

Not with the past keep score.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NAS)

The people who have gone before us are meant to inspire and encourage us. Sometimes we compare ourselves to them in unhealthy ways, and think somehow they could accomplish what we can’t. Not true. Every generation has had their own challenges, and all are given the grace to do what God wants us to do. The “good old days” weren’t always as good or as bad as we think they were. We are called to put aside today’s encumbrances and be proactive in following Jesus. He will help us run with endurance.

Lord, help us lay aside every weight, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Teal Blake, used by permission. Thanks, Teal, and God bless you.