"Old Hand"

He used to be a hand, you see,

And still he’s more than some,

The crazy thing, ‘bout anything,

He’ll do like he was young.

Slower now, he thinks somehow,

He still can get it done,

Reckless no, but he will go,

If strays are on the run.

Takes down his rope and at a lope,

He sees what others miss,

Out there what counts is more than mounts,

And I will tell you this,

A younger man might make a hand,

But years still count you see,

Can’t be bought and hardly taught,

The way it used to be.

So if he invites and then recites,

Old stories from the past,

Listen close and learn the most,

His time is fadin’ fast.

Don’t look back and wisdom lack,

Because you thought you knew,

Learn from age before the page,

Turns and his story’s through.

“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NAS)

The Bible has lots to say about getting wise counsel. Some of us are oblivious to the kind of input we need, and the results show it. One of my mentors lived to be 102 years old before the Lord called him home. I am thankful for every moment I spent with him, and wish we could talk today. One of my newer friends is an eighty-nine year old cowboy whom I met through the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse. He has lots of stories, and I’m thankful for the time we get to spend. Here’s something to think and pray about. First, who can I go to for wise counsel? Ask the Lord to show you. Second, who needs my counsel? There are people who need our help and if we’re sensitive, the Lord will lead us to them.

Lord, help us to both receive and willing to share Your wisdom, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.