"Worth It"

Seems there’s always work to do,

Out here on this place,

You try but you cannot get through,

You have to set your pace.

‘Cause fences need a mendin’,

And posts have to be set,

Cattle need a tendin’,

And sometimes need the vet.

The horses need their wormin’,

That colt needs to get rode,

We’re in this for long termin’,

It’s just the cowboy code.

Town folks think it’s easy,

‘Cause we don’t punch a clock,

But winter gets real breezy,

And hard on our livestock.

And just when you have planned a break,

That durned old phone call comes,

To say your bull is out to take,

A stroll outside for fun.

Always something more to do,

And hopefully enough,

To pay the bills, least one or two,

Stay current on your stuff.

But ask me if it’s worth it,

And I’ll ask what you mean,

‘Cause though sometimes I curse it,

It’s the best life I have seen.

And one more thing I will explain,

You learn to trust the Lord,

‘Cause everything depends on rain,

And it’s too dry to get bored.

And if you live by faith you see,

You know that when it’s rough,

You learn how God can help you be,

And His grace is enough.

Working and believing,

It’s how to get things done,

Sweating and receiving,

Until our race is run.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says…” (James 1:22, NLT)

James calls us to apply the truth to our daily lives. That is how real faith works. Some expect God to do everything for them. It’s like they are waiting on some sort of spiritual lottery to hit their lives and solve everything. It’s true that we can never earn our salvation. It is given by the grace of God. But the grace we have received energizes us to obey God’s word. It reminds me of a story told by an old preacher who, in his retirement, planted and grew a beautiful garden. He spent many long hours, and as a result, produced wonderful vegetables. A friend stopped by to see him and remarked, “God certainly has given you a beautiful garden.” The old preacher paused and said, “And you should have seen it when God had it all by Himself!” Does this sound irreverent to you? I hope not! God graces us, but expects us to apply what we hear and work to get things done. He will empower us when we give Him something to bless.

Lord, energize our work, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bruce Greene, brucegreeneart.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bruce, and God bless you.