The Master Cowboy

I traversed the hillside, pushing cattle near the Upper Beef of Shell Wyoming. Strung out before me were heads of cattle going where they ought to, but not without the gentle push of myself and the cowboys around me. It’s a strange thing that cattle know the rules of the game of pressure and trail following but are only successful with a rear guide and gentle reminders of the journey ahead. The proper pressure encouraged the cattle to walk in step with us. But some would dart when there was too little or too much pressure applied.

I’m far from a cowboy, but in this moment, I felt like one.

Then I thought, God, what is the meaning of this? Why is this such an intoxicating feeling of elation to push cattle across majestic lands? Then I felt in my heart that this was my life. Like the cows, I have learned the rules but the pressure in my life is the word of God, urging me in the direction of refuge. At times, my flesh rebels, thinking I am wiser than I truly am, so I dart from the trail seeking relief I do not understand only to be wrangled back on the path, finding rest in the rear guide. 

In the story of life, we think we are the cowboy, pushing cattle, but the rear guide is the Holy Spirit and for that, I am grateful. The Master Cowboy, pushing us along the narrow path with the needed pressure to make the journey.

Thanks to the Ezar, and the transforming work of God the Father, nothing will ever pluck us from the His hand for the Son of man said in the book of John, “… I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”

With this in mind, let us walk in step with the Spirit of God and display its fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, for in these the law is surpassed.

Only then can we ourselves live as Cowboys, in a pure way, serving others in this journey.