Out OurWay: Charlie's trailer

Phillipians 1:23 - "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ ... but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body"

Out our way, the long days in the saddle can be wearying - and as the sun starts to dip down, the idea of "heading for the barn" becomes a constant thought.

Charlie had a red stock trailer in which we loaded the horses , and I can tell you those last miles of riding up one ridge and down another were sometimes pretty draining of both energy and spirit. But over one of those ridges would be the area near the cattle guard where Charlie's red trailer was waiting. Even so, as I have shared before, sometimes that last ridge and the trailer had to wait as a few more stray calves had been spotted and we had to go get them. As much as we both desired to head for the trailer and for home, sometimes it was necessary we turn back to the "big open" because our work was not yet finished.

The Apostle Paul wrote of the disappointment he felt after years of hardships on the road and at sea, hate and persecution by both Jewish and Gentile officials, attempts on his life, imprisonment and a severe and painful physical illness he called "thorns in the flesh" in the midst of it all. (2 Corinthians 11:25-30; 12: 7 -10), He was in pain, weary, sometimes discouraged, and longed to "finish the race" (Hebrews 12: 1). But God said, "No. Not yet."

Sometimes, I get a bit down and weary as Paul did - and I long for that moment when I ride over the ridge and spot "Charlie's trailer" waiting to take me home. Many of you know the same trials and hardships, sorrows and burdens that come our way - especially as we grow older. Some of us find ourselves longing to ride over that last ridge and get to the "trailer" that will take us home. But as in Paul's case - the Lord may have different ideas. Even if we feel used up and useless, God does not. "You're not done yet," says the Lord.

I was so tired and saddle sore that day when Charlie and I were checking fence and pushing strays back to mama. We had been at it all day and some of those jug head calves seemed determined to make us work longer and harder than normal. But as much as we wanted to call it a day - head for the trailer and the barn - we still had work to do.

Feeling worn out and ready to ride that last ridge? Check with the Boss first. Ask Him, "Lord, what is Your will? Henei ,Adonai! (Hebrew for "Here I am, Lord" ... use me). The trailer may have to wait.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

--

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].