Out Our Way: Sinking sand

Matthew 13:22 "The ground of trusting in the riches of this world is sinking sand"

Out our way, the upper pastures can be a bit treacherous. The thorn trees and thick clumps of trees in the arroyos can hide unexpected surprises. 

Being a greenhorn, I did not know that some creek beds get covered in dirt and while they may look dry and solid are actually deep mud holes that, quicksand-like, will grab hold of the unwary and not let go.

I have shared this tale a few times before, but it is worth repeating for the lesson learned. While Charlie and I were checking the fence on Big Mike's place, I came across a cattle trail that had made its way through a large clump of trees and thorn bushes. It appeared the fence turned a corner at that point so I assumed there would be a fence post. But regardless, the fence was on the other side of the stand of trees which blocked my view. The overhanging branches were too low to allow me to ride Doc into the arroyo, so I dismounted, dropped the reins and walked in. 

The cattle trail ended at the bottom and what appeared to be a dried up creek bed lay before me. Across the way was a small rise and from there I could see the fence post. As the foliage blocked my view of the rest of the fence I stepped onto the bare patch covered in dirt I assumed was solid ground. Wrong! 

I sunk down to my knee in the mud that lay beneath the thin dirt cover. Wearing my high-topped cowboy boots I was able to get my leg out, but not my boot. I had to go through the maze up to Doc, get my lariat, tie the rope through the boot straps, go back up the hill, dally the other end around the saddle horn, and back Doc up to pull the boot out. (What a look he gave me on that one!) This tenderfoot learned the lesson that sometimes what appears to be solid ground is sinking sand. That old hymn makes a lot more sense to me now:

"On Christ the Solid Rock I take my stand,

"All other ground is sinking sand;

"all other ground is sinking sand."

Be blessed and be a blessing - and take heed where you walk. 

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].