"Old Friend"

The old boy has arthritis,

In both of his front knees,

But otherwise he’s healthy,

And still my eyes will please.

Hancock-bred, athletic,

And steady as could be,

Did everything I asked him to,

A special horse to me.

In all the years I’ve ridden,

The many miles we went,

The cattle we have gathered,

The many loops I’ve sent,

This old pony never failed me,

Right there is where he’s been,

Whenever he was needed,

Could always count on him.

And now that he has slowed down,

And I am slower, too,

I won’t push him very hard,

Though we are not yet through.

He’ll still see the rodeo,

The trail and that parade,

Before I finally turn him out,

And his last ride is made.

Enjoy ‘em while you have ‘em,

That’s wisdom from above,

Else you’ll wish you did it,

When you had time to love.

Thank God for good horses,

And thank God for good friends,

Who make the trail much better,

And right down till the end.

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need…” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

An important theme of scripture is the value of true friendship. One is very fortunate if one has two or three in a lifetime. The scriptures speak of two fighting back to back, and a threefold cord being hard to break. Jesus had much to say about two or three. When two or three agree in prayer, God answers. When two or three gather in His name, He promises to be there with them. When a person falls away, one should go and try to restore him. But if they won’t listen, take two or three and try again. And so it goes. One of life’s greatest blessings is when we find loyal friends.

Lord, help us value the friends You have given us, in Jesus’ name.

Brad McClainJanuary 6, 2023