Out Our Way: Dust Eaters!

Romans 13:12'The night is far spent and the Day is at hand'

Out our way, in addition to being a local pastor, I got to live a lifelong fantasy as a cowhand from time to time, riding with my Pard, Charlie, as we moved Big Mike's herd on Tiger Ridge up in the Bear Paw range. Like many kids, I wanted to be a real cowboy when I grew up - and while I never got that wish, I came close when I mounted up ole Doc and rode with Charlie to push cows.

Now as anyone who rode with us or caught a glimpse of Brother John and Doc, there was no question that this wanna be cowpoke was more wanna-be than reality. Even so, for 6+ years I rode the Tiger with Charlie and while never quite in the mediocre range, I did rise from totally useless to barely acceptable. Yippee Ki-Yay! And because I could at least stay on Doc most of the time - and Doc had been raised with cattle and had some cow-sense - they let me ride drag and be a "dust eater". 

If you have worked a cattle drive you know that "drag" is where you put the least talented or skillful riders, and have them push the herd from the rear. That is why we are known as "dust eaters". My silk scarf was over my nose and mouth for that reason, and while most every cowhand wears one, us "dust eaters" use them.

I couldn't argue my constant placement in the back, riding behind the herd and eating dust all day ... for while Doc was patient with me and good natured, I managed several amazing and unexpected dismounts over the years - couldn't shake out a loop much less toss one with any ability, and was oblivious when some "Bossy" started making trouble and inciting those around her . So I rode drag and ate dust.  

Even so - even the most gifted and skilled cowhand knows that "dust eaters" are essential to keeping the herd moving. - and someone has to do it! If the cattle stop moving because the "dust eater" didn't keep them going, where would the point, swing, or flank riders be? 

In seminary, we admired the top evangelists of the day like Billy Graham who rode "point" and showed people the Way. I recall the large groups who came forward at the Crusades to accept Christ into their lives. There were also popular preachers whose regular sermons and testimonies helped people stay in the Way - riding "swing" to help folks who drifted back into the herd - and "flank" to help maintain the order and sense of unity of the Body. Such preachers and pastors are gifted by God for their calling, and while some have abused that gift, most have ridden for "the Brand (Christ)" and not for themselves. 

But we all are not called to ride "point, swing or flank". Indeed, most of us are called to be "dust eaters" for the LORD - unglamorous, unnoticed, and often forgotten after we are called elsewhere or even in retirement. But we ate dust and moved the herd even if no one really noticed. 

"Dust eaters" in the local congregation are common as well. They keep the faithful going as they visit the sick, help with the congregational meals , decorating etc - and mostly by being there for those who need someone who cares near them.

Nobody sees you, few appreciate what you do - but you keep the "herd moving". It is your unselfish and often unnoticed behavior that keeps the faith alive and the Church moving along the Way. As great as some TV preachers may be, a neighbor who lives the faith and shows it in their lives pushes the herd far more. I hereby offer you the title of "honorary dust eater" and call you my "Pard" ! The Day is at hand and you are one of those whom God called to help make it happen for others.

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].