"Oldster"
Scattered through the countryside,
You still can see a few,
Of old-time, old school drovers,
Whom modern ways eschew.
They might have some old flip phone,
But tech is not their thing,
But if it can be saddled,
Right there the skill they bring.
Old men riding ox bows,
Sometimes a duck bill cack,
More times than not it’s hand-made,
And better for your back.
Weathered lines and creases,
You’ll see upon his face,
A forehead white as any fish,
When his hat is not in place.
Leather’s been his way of life,
And leather is his skin,
Leather reins in leather hands,
And show the miles he’s been.
He loves a well-grilled beefsteak,
Enjoys a cobbler pie,
Takes his rest soon after,
Up when sun’s rays first fly.
And when the young ones gather,
Sometimes a wild cow tale,
But he makes sure it’s truthful,
Don’t take much wind to sail.
And as his tooth gets longer,
He’s more verbal ‘bout his faith,
He’ll even quote the Good Book,
And what the Good Lord saith.
Not many of the old school left,
Their time has come and gone,
But if you get to meet one,
And to the cowboy way belong,
Do your best to listen,
The wisdom’s sure to flow,
And that’s why we are thankful,
To learn from what he knows.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NAS)
The new year is still new, but it won’t be long before we will run into trials if we haven’t already. When we do God calls us to endure testing joyfully, realizing that He uses trials to build character. James encourages us to ask for wisdom and trust God to generously give it to us. Wisdom can come through circumstances, the Spirit’s revelation, and through people. Often these people are those who have weathered many storms and are willing to let us benefit from their challenges. Sometimes an “oldster” can help steady us when we’re going through it.
Lord, give us Your wisdom, in Jesus’ name.
Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.