"Homemade"

A homemade red bandanna,

Was all I saw him wear,

And patches on his shirt sleeves,

Whenever they would tear.

He wore an old round buckle,

That he won years before,

When he rode in the rodeo,

And had a winning score.

His hat was stained and weathered,

It fit his old bald head,

His dome was white as driven snow,

Face wrinkled brown and red.

He laughed a lot and softly,

Showed me how to treat a horse,

Not by what he told me,

But how he rode of course.

He might have had the lightest hands,

On reins I ever saw,

And he could take a young horse,

Do things I watched in awe.

At how the colt responded,

What he got him to do,

Some cowboys were jealous,

That’s why they cussed him, too.

But he never did react to them,

Ignored and just went on,

And when I asked about it,

He’d just laugh and yawn.

And say it doesn’t matter,

They’ll find out soon enough,

That being a good cowboy,

Is more than acting tough.

One day when we were riding,

I asked what he believed,

About the Lord our Savior,

And if he had received.

He said why sure I done it,

I prayed and gave my all,

And He forgave my every sin,

He heard my prayer and call.

It wasn’t long thereafter,

My good friend didn’t wake,

Went to sleep one evening,

Ask God his soul to take.

And when they had his service,

There he was laid out,

With that homemade bandanna,

Washed and pressed no doubt.

I often think about him,

He truly was my friend,

And now that he’s crossed over,

I’ll see him once again.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints…” (Ps. 116:15).

This life is not about this life. It’s about the life that happens after we die physically. When we die and our earthly life comes to an end, we discover quickly, maybe instantaneously, that this life is about the next. It’s not always easy to accept or remember or focus on. But it’s still true. That’s why when someone who loves Jesus dies, it’s a precious moment for the Lord. Why? It’s the moment they will go into His presence and begin life with the Lord forever. Paul said to be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord. Eternal rewards come later, at the end of human history. But being in God’s presence begins the instant we say good-bye to these bodies. It’s great when people are sure about it. It’s wonderful when they share that assurance with others. How did God make you sure you’re going to heaven? If you’re not, how can you become sure? Simple. Surrender your life and will wholeheartedly to Jesus. If we give Him control He will give us assurance. Someone said we cannot truly live till we’re ready to die.

Lord, make us ready to go home to be with You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Shawn Cameron, shawncameron.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Shawn, and God bless you.