Cowboys are an American Icon for a very specific reason. We have images of Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger stuck in our head because we immediately identify with their noble struggle. When a cowboy rides the range, he is virtually alone. He has the herd and/or his horse and his own weary mind to keep him company. At some time or another, as Beaver has written here, we, and those we know, feel as though we are all alone with little companionship. It’s not a position most of us envy; it is after a little while of being alone that we realize exactly what’s wrong with it; we have to be alone.

The only thing I could think of as I read this post was the Eagles’ song.

Desperado

Why don’t you come to your senses?

You’ve been out riding fences

for so long now

Oh, you’re a hard one

I know that you’ve got your reasons

These things that are pleasing you

Will hurt you somehow

Don’t draw the queen of diamonds, boy

she’ll beat you if she’s able

you know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

Now it seems to me some fine things

Have been laid upon your table

But you only want the ones that you can’t get

Desperado

Oh you ain’t getting no younger

Your pain and your hunger

are driving you home

and freedom, Lord, freedom

that’s just some people talking

your prison is walking

through this world all alone

And don’t your feet get cold in the winter time?

The sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine

It’s hard to tell the nighttime from the day

You’re loosing all your highs and lows

Ain’t it funny how the feeling goes away?

Desperado

Why don’t you come to your senses

come down from your fences

and open the gate

It may be raining

but there’s a rainbow up above you

You better let somebody love you

before it’s too late.

Beaver’s cowboy was chasing the things he couldn’t get; the devil’s empty, vague promises always beyond our grasp. Eventually, however, he did realize that he needed to let somebody love him, and luckily it wasn’t too late. He opened the gateway to his heart and Jesus entered in and shone his love. God bless this cowboy, who gave so much to our family and loved the Lord. Praise Jesus for his presence; as Beaver said, he is up in Heaven training those horses. And even a rough and tumble cowboy can find some time to help a beautiful little girl climb on the back of her own little pony. Even now, I can see them, riding in a land of silver clouds and silent stars.