Where have all our heroes gone?
One finds with maturity, there are more funerals to attend.
During childhood, most attend very few funerals, but can remember the most infinite details of each. In early adulthood, the number is still low, but the details aren’t as intimate, unless it’s a parent, close relative or classmate. Many people are still of the
opinion: “I’m going to live forever.”
Another of our heroes passed away recently. While his health had been declining, we’d ridden several horses for him during the past year, and we’d talked about his next colt crop: “It’s going to be the best ever, and there’ll sure be a winner.”
At age 80, Bob had lived a long and good life, most would agree, yet his death was another shock to us. Humbled as a pall bearer, we felt a terrible loss leaving the cemetery on that cold, dreary day.
It must come with our age. We’ve been privileged to ride horses for a number prominent cowboys and cowgirls, and great friends, who’ve passed away: Andy, Bill, Dan, Don, Emmett, Frank, Gordon, Howard, June, Keith, Park, Pat, Phil, Puncher, Rosie, Russell and now Bob.
A common denominator of each was their love for horses, but even greater was their appreciation for nature: God’s wonderful creation. While most of them expressed little about their faith, it was apparent in their attitude toward the land and what it provided.
As we approach another birthday, our maturity reminds us too of our mortality. Crawling on that colt for the first time or getting back on that ornery cuss who was more than we were cowboy are scary times. None compare to one’s nightmare of the hereafter.
We should not be afraid.
First Samuel 12:24 contends:“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart, for consider how great things He hath done for you.”
Psalm 23:4 promises: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”
Psalm 23:6 guarantees: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
We can look forward to emerald green grass that is always stirrup high, clear sky blue water overflowing, none of ‘em buck, they never run off, they are all pretty as a picture and ride like a charm.
+++ALLELUIA+++