The Drifter’s Cure
I kicked the dust and looked away, feeling worn and tired, Said, "I think I’ll pack it up today, my patience has expired. The days are long, the ground is hard, the pay ain't worth the pain, I'm sick of breakin' colts and pushin' steers in freezing rain. I think I’ll roll my bedding up and drift to somewhere new, Find a range where grass is tall and skies are always blue."
I laid my heavy burden on that old cowboy right there, The one who’d worked the cattle with the silver in his hair. I waited for his blessing, or a word to bid me go, To tell me there was better grass where warmer breezes blow. But he just leaned against the rail and fixed me with a stare, And spoke the kind of gospel truth that stripped my spirit bare.
"I know that itch," he finally said, "I know it mighty well, Thinking that the next ranch over will save you from this spell. You think a different bunkhouse or a different string of stock, Will satisfy that hunger that is deep inside your walk. I rode that trail for forty years, chasing down the wind, Running from the silence where the lonely nights begin."
"I changed my brand a dozen times, I worked for every boss, But every mile I put behind just added to the loss. Until I met a Stranger who was walking on the line, He didn't offer wages, but He offered peace of mind. He told me that my wandering wasn't 'cause the grass was dry, But 'cause I didn't know the Lord who rules the heavenly sky."
"You're running from the ranch, young man, to chase a hollow ghost, You’re leaving what matters least to lose what matters most. The world will promise freedom, but it only brings you chains, The only rest you'll ever find is when Jesus holds the reins. So quit your looking over fences at the world's demand, And saddle up your heart to ride for Jesus and His Brand."
"Don't go chasing after shadows, don't you ride away, Just kneel right here in this corral and hear what He will say. The peace you're looking for ain't found in drifting west or east, It’s found within the service of the King and Great High Priest. So tighten up your cinch right here, let your running end, Ride the trail He marked for you, and let the Savior be your friend."
- Cowboy Evangelist Rev. Joseph Holmes
Amen !