"Rodeo Parade"

Poem by Brad McClain

There’s somethin’ ‘bout a big parade,

That really stirs my soul,

Even more when it’s the rodeo,

With a great big horseback stroll.

And all those many horses,

Every kind and color,

Wagons, buggies, riders,

And nary one a suller.

I love the flags a-flyin’,

Especially Old Glory,

And under every hat brim,

You know a real good story.

And all the kids and old folks,

That came out just to see,

And everybody gets along,

‘Cause they just want to be,

There to have a good time,

And enjoy a cowboy day,

Reminds of country cousins,

Good things from  yesterday.

It’s called Americana,

And some might think it dead,

But at a rodeo parade,

There’s lots of hope instead.

People laughing, music playing,

And a taste of something real,

More the way the Good Lord meant it,

And a wonderment to feel.

So next time you hear about it,

Hope you’ll take the time to go,

Just somethin’ ‘bout that big parade,

Before the rodeo.

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1, NAS)

The Bible has a lot to say about celebration. There is something in the human heart that loves a parade or a party. Heaven is described as a marriage feast, and God intends for life to be joyful in spite of its pain. The only way this happens is if we cooperate with the grace of God. When we run from Him or rebel against Him, we have to settle for earthly pleasure which is hollow and cannot ever truly satisfy us. But the God of the Bible promises abundant life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Enjoyment goes with endurance. Live it!

Lord, teach us to celebrate life, in Jesus’ name.

Photography by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.