The Cowboy Way

This weekend we celebrated the birthday of one of our "cowboy friend's" affectionately known as "Brother Dale". The boys were absolutely giddy as we crossed into the Virginia mountains and were oooooozzzzzing of excitement. Sadly, as we crested one of the mammoth hills, we heard an ugly poooof bum bum bump. Something had happened and we lost pulling power. THIS is not a good thing when you have a horse trailer with horses and four people's gear for the entire weekend. We called our mechanic and he felt we should "limp along" to our destination. Upon arrival, the entire camp went to work. Everyone who knew anything about motors took a look at the engine and it was decided to look at it again in the morning.

We then proceeded to fellowship and visit with everybody there. Andy took his guitar and he and another guy took turns playing while we all tried to sing along. EVERYONE was welcome and the "cowboys" made certain ladies had chairs. Snacks, drinks, and laughter were shared into the wee hours of the morning under a showcase of God's talents in the clear night sky. Children ran wild, got dirty, played in the fire, and were warned "if they didn't stop.. they'd 'pee' in the bed".

Saturday morning, camp was a flurry of activity. Andy and Brother Dale (the birthday boy, remember?) took off to find a part. Everyone else waited a while, then decided that Dale nor Andy would want the day wasted waiting on them. My boys took off with their grandfather and some other "horse friends" and I never doubted they would be well taken care of.

Andy and Dale returned, created a part since one could not be found and the riders returned to camp. Andy nor Dale never did get to ride. A HUGE meal was prepared and everyone was more than happy to wait for their turn to eat while being lulled into relaxation by nature's symphony. More food, stories, and laughter were shared until we all eased to our beds and felt the contentment of friendship.

Sunday morning brought the moment of truth... would the "fixing" be enough? Unfortunately, as we headed back down the mountain, our truck took another turn for the worst. A zizzzing sound and we had nothing.. we coasted to the side of the road followed by my father in law for safety. As Andy's blood pressure began to rise, guess who came pulling in? You guessed it.. Brother Dale...

To make a too long story short, we were helped by many to arrive safely at our home. THIS is the Cowboy Way. Go together, return together. Share what you have. Be hospitable. Help others when you can. These men may not say "I love you" to one another... but to me.. everything they do and are epitomizes the love God wants for all of us to display.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV, John 13:34-35)