Out Our Way: Loosen the reins - Proverbs 3:5-6

Out our way, you sometimes have to forget your own wisdom and trust someone else. Now, ole Doc was born and raised on a cattle ranch up in the Bear Paws so he knew cows. He had also been used to work cattle long before I got to know him. He had what some folks called "cow sense," something I had not yet gained. 

As it happens, the area south of town was given to the town after the Army closed down Fort Assiniboine in 1911 and Congress created Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation in 1916, along with the Havre camping ground - and in addition to several reservoirs and camp sites, a large portion was set aside as "open range" for a season each year. With no fences and few cattle guards, various herds wandered freely throughout the park until the fall roundup. Large numbers of herders, paid and volunteer, rode the "free range" seeking out and gathering cattle who were scattered here, there, and beyond. I recall finding some black Angus coming by to visit my campsite during "open range" season.

Anyway, the annual round up had commenced and as I was hauling Doc to a friend's family homestead where I now set up camp regularly, five riders rode up and waved me down. They knew where I was heading and asked if I spotted any strays up there in the sticks, if I would kindly move them down to the main road where they would eventually be picked up. Well out our way, neighbors help neighbors whenever they can, so I agreed; and sure enough, after Doc and I got to our campsite and began setting it up, I spotted two units (two cows and their calves) wandering about by the creek about a mile off the road. So, I saddled up Doc and we headed out to try to get them out of the brush and into the open, encouraging them to head west and down hill to where the main herd was gathering. Hey, I'm a cowboy now! No big deal, right? Wrong!!!

First, I was a greenhorn cowboy and second, these were range cattle ... a lot spookier and more obstinate than the fenced-in variety I had been working with Charlie. When I came up they scattered in two different directions because they were not used to horses and riders. But, although I was a tenderfoot cowboy, Doc was a seasoned cowpony. I confess to this day I don't understand it, but Doc and I had bonded and somehow he got the message to me, "Loosen the reins and follow my lead." As dumb as I am, I had the smarts that day to listen.  

I relaxed the reins and stopped trying to guide Doc - and gave him his head. He stopped trailing the cows and walked slowly to the side and around them. Only when he was in position did he slowly start to approach the furthest unit out and very slowly urge them toward the other pair. In short order both units were together again - and then he again circled slowly behind and gently but firmly began "pushing" them toward the road and down toward the main herd. I flattered myself I was in charge, but fortunately came to realize I needed help and accepted it.

In Proverbs, we are reminded that our stubborn and often rebellious natures often make us like rebellious range cattle in cougar country. We demand to go our own way and refuse to heed warnings and directions from others, who actually may well know better. In the same way, our pride and ego can also make us like that greenhorn cowboy who constantly makes things worse because he/she refuses to "loosen the reins" and let the Lord take over. 

Once again, if you don't accept the authority of the Scripture, accept the authority of human history. Every culture that rejected the direction of God has self-destructed within a few generations. The stray cows thought they knew best. I, the greenhorn tenderfoot cowboy thought I knew best. But only Doc managed to get those cow/calf units out of cougar territory and to safety. 

  "This is the way - walk in it!" ( Isaiah 30:21) 

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John 

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].