"How Far West?"

 Go west, young man, that’s what they said,

And now for generations,

That’s what they did, and boldly led,

And gave us strong foundations.

The pioneering spirit,

With courage for the fight,

They just went out and did it,

And tried to get it right.

But how far west is far enough,

That’s what I want to know,

Is it measured by how tough you are,

Or where you want to go.

I first came to the Lone Star state,

When wet behind the ears,

Cowboy dreams filled up my plate,

I can’t forget those years.

Roping at the Cow Bell,

And riding cross big pastures,

I remember every sight and smell,

Of what I ran hard after.

For many years I lived back east,

I know that I was blessed,

Cowboyed when I could at least,

And tried to pass life’s tests.

Then at last I heard again,

Those words they oft repeat,

Texas waits for you, my friend,

The sound of it was sweet.

How far west, it’s far enough,

To say I live out west,

And, no, it’s not because I’m tough,

Just looking for God’s best.

Go on past old cow town,

On the way to Abilene,

There’s the homeplace we have found,

And as pretty as I’ve seen.

The Brazos nearby flowing,

And the pastures with my string,

And each day I’m knowing,

The best the west can bring.

They say bloom where you are planted,

And I believe it’s true,

But when a move is granted,

That’s just what you should do.

For me it was to go out west,

To Texas heart so deep,

Cannot speak for all the rest,

I’m glad to make that leap.

From here I’ve been to Idaho,

To the big show in Cheyenne,

To Vegas for the rodeo,

And Colorado’s mountains grand.

But when I turn in this driveway,

My old heart skips a beat,

Way off the Texas highway,

My down home ranch retreat.

And when I go to glory,

And my time on earth is through,

I’ll tell St. Pete this story,

Of the bonnet meadows blue.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father…” (Colossians 3:17, NLT)

Most, if not all, of us are governed by the habits we have developed. The daily routine of life- when we rise, our eating habits, our work, our recreation- more likely than not follow a predictable pattern. This also includes where we live, how we spend our time, and with whom. Where ever we are and whatever we’re doing, we need first to live as a representative of Jesus Christ. We live for His glory, and seeking His Kingdom above all else. Sometimes the Lord will lead us to do something unexpected, in which case we must be flexible enough to follow His leadership. Sometimes the change is dramatic, such as moving to another location and culture. Not all are led to do such things, but when we are, it’s good to be ready to follow. That’s what happened to me when I moved to Texas. It’s being led by the Spirit that matters most. The true definition of home is where the Lord has placed us, until He calls us home to heaven.

Lord, help us represent You well, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mary Ross Buchholz, used by permission. Thanks, Mary, and God bless you.