"Plan"

There’s just no money in it,

That’s what he said to me,

As we sat there horseback,

When still too dark to see.

He gripped his coffee tightly,

Steamin’ brew as black as tar,

He said you listen to me,

For this trail has brought me far.

I’ve cowboyed on big outfits,

With the wagon I sure went,

I’ve rode the rough string horses,

Roped wild cattle where they sent.

I’ve done it in all weathers,

And was loyal to the brand,

And always had a special joy,

If ridin’ through new land.

But now I’ve gotten long in tooth,

And don’t have much to show,

Don’t even have a buckle,

Never won a rodeo.

And don’t think I’m complainin’,

Cause I’ve been blessed a lot,

And I am very thankful,

To have all that I’ve got.

But neither wife nor children,

Or house or IRA,

Just this rusty pickup,

And that buckskin I call Ray.

But I am rich in good friends,

Though the older that I get,

The more of them cross over,

But none will I forget.

And, yes, I know the Savior,

And I’ll meet Him when I go,

His blood gave me salvation,

The Bible tells me so.

But that advice, he told me,

Is to make a different hand,

Get yourself a sweetheart,

And ask God for His plan.

And, yes, you still can cowboy,

But find a better way,

And when you’re near the end of it,

You’ll remember what I say.

I think he gave me wisdom,

As the sunrise gave us light,

And since then the things I chose,

Proved the old man right.

I praise God for my sweetheart,

Kids and grandkids, too,

I praise Him for good horses,

And all He’s let me do.

And if you ever wonder,

The best way for to go,

Make sure it’s with the Savior,

‘Cause He’s the One to know.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

God has a plan fore each of us, and it’s the abundant life Jesus promised. Our part is to learn to cooperate with His guidance, purpose and will I we seek Him, surrender to Him, and open our hearts to Him, He promises to help us find our way. The Holy Spirit will lead us into the “there” of our dreams, or if not exactly what we expect, His highest and best.

Lord, help us find Your plan for us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen, used by permission. (cowhorsegallery.com)