"Cutter"

Slidin’ stops and roll back turns,

Catty moves will make the dance,

Although the steers are lookin’ fresh,

They do not have much chance,

Of getting past the little mare,

So light upon her feet,

And watching as she does her work,

It’s really hard to beat.

I’ve ridden lots of horses,

Had some good ones ‘long the way,

And those that I remember best,

Would watch a cow and stay,

Right with the very wildest,

High-headed bound for brush,

And give you every gear they had,

To turn one in a rush.

Know that’s far from the cuttin’ pen,

But where it got its start,

All those years from long ago,

The ranch horse big with heart.

And now they don’t get muddy,

Their coats are shiny clean,

They live in stalls of comfort,

And though it may sound mean,

I sometimes wonder ‘bout those horses,

Who live and work that way,

And if they long for ranch life,

If their owners said okay.

If they’d go back to the prairie,

Or the mountain meadows high,

Pushin’ cows from summer pasture,

And if you asked the reason why,

It’s the cow horse has a function,

Like all upon this earth,

The job that he’s assigned to,

Determines what he’s worth.

I like those cuttin’ ponies,

To watch ‘em and to see,

The ones that really get it done,

It’s beautiful to me.

But the ranchier the better,

‘Cause the country where they’re made,

Is more than the arena,

But the pastures where cows strayed.

I live in cuttin’ country,

Where those nimble ponies show,

Drive past high dollar animals,

When we go to town you know.

But I guess what I am saying,

To those who give a care,

It’s the ranchers and the cowboys,

Who put the best ones there.

“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:16, NAS)

It’s a beautiful thing when we see an animal like a cutting horse do what he was born to do. It is also a blessing when people find their place and divine assignment and do what God has called and created them to do. Some have called this learning to function in the fullness of your gift from God, no matter what that looks like. It will not be the same for everybody since God loves diversity. But the quickest way to get to this place of maximum opportunity is to have the right attitude about yourself. If you’re “haughty in mind” you will always miss it. Why? Because your attitude prevents you from receiving the grace God wants you to have and exercise. Don’t be wise in your own, egotistical estimation, but receive God’s wisdom instead.

Lord, help us receive all You have planned for us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.