"Old"

Have you run across this fella,

He’s old and slow and mean,

He used to be a cowboy,

The best you’ve ever seen.

But now he can’t get horseback,

His balance is long gone,

Instead of aging gracefully,

He’s bitter and he’s wrong.

Old pardners try to visit,

They share good memories,

But he don’t want to see ‘em,

‘Cause they remind him and he sees,

Himself back in his younger days,

And the way he is right now,

And he just can’t accept it,

It surprises him somehow.

He cusses cold and hot alike,

He complains about the news,

Since his wife has passed away,

He’s nothing left to lose.

The preacher went to see him,

Worried ‘bout his soul,

Said he’s praying for him,

The old man got him told.

Raised his cane and pointed,

Said get on out the door,

You’re just lookin’ for an offerin’,

And don’t come back no more.

Now I’m an older cowboy,

I know the time will come,

When I can’t get horseback,

But I will not be done.

‘Cause I will tell these stories,

And write these poems, too,

Abou the cowboy way and all,

And what we got to do.

And I’ll tell you what’s the difference,

In that old man and me,

I gave my life to Jesus,

A long time ago you see.

And though I’ve had my losses,

My failures and my pain,

Life keeps getting better,

And every loss is gain,

‘Cause I’m one day closer,

To the joy of heaven’s light,

And when my race is over,

And I’m finished with this fight,

I’ll cross over Jordan,

To the place prepared for me,

No more sad or sick or sorrow,

Only joy eternally.

Let’s pray for those who’ve given up,

And think they’re out of rope,

Jesus died to give them,

A sure, eternal hope.

“Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years i will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will hear you and I will deliver you.” (Isaiah 45:4, NAS)

When we’re young we can’t even imagine old age. We think people are old who aren’t even fifty! I can remember feeling that way. But as the years and decades pass you learn. We’ve all seen people who got worse instead of better with age. I’m reminded of a line from Gus on “Lonesome Dove” when he said: “The older the violin the sweeter the music.” But some get meaner, not sweeter. The difference is our relationship with the Lord. When we are filled with the Spirit we take on the character of Jesus. We become more like Him into our later years.

Lord, help us reflect Your glory at every age, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Alfredo Rodriguez, used by permission. Thanks, Alfredo, and God bless you.