"Cowhand"

Whether just a handful,

Or thousands in a herd,

I promise, this is no bull,

I give my honest word.

That looking after livestock,

Is a skill the cowboys know,

The seasons are the time clock,

And, man, it ain’t for show.

But out there where it’s needed,

And the cattle they must tend,

And lesser men conceded,

‘Cause the work just did ‘em in.

And though there’s lots of romance,

About the cowboy way,

A horseback life’s a real chance,

To connect with yesterday.

But never should we e’er forget,

It’s all about the work,

Hot and dry and cold and wet,

Without a lot of perk.

But those who choose to do it,

Say they don’t want to miss,

All that puts ‘em through it,

And let me tell  you this,

That nature’s front-seat spectacle,

Is from a horse’s back,

And he is the receptacle,

For all that downtown lacks.

And, yes, when bovine mamas,

Are pairing with their babies,

The song and dance and dramas,

Make you certain, never maybes,

That you’re glad to be a cowboy,

In spite of all the sweat,

Not some old hay seed plowboy,

But all the western they can get.

So cowboy up and cowboy on,

And horseback do your thing,

Unless the care of cows is gone,

We need the skills you bring.

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your own hands, just as we instructed you before.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NIV)

Whether it’s the cattle business or some other business, the Bible is clear that we need to attend to it responsibly and in such a way that God can use it. Our jobs, careers, and places of employment are arenas of ministry for all of us, besides being a way to support our families. Trusting God to supply our needs does not subtract the need for putting in the time. If God promises you a hole He’ll give you a shovel.

Lord, help us to use our work as a ministry for You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Don Weller, used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless you.