The Cowboy Way

Sometimes I worry about the world we live in.  This fast paced, selfie centered society seems to have lost its moral compass and those values that were at the heart of what makes this country great.  Things like honor, respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, and reverence seem to have slipped through the cracks as we have chased after the shiny accolades from followers (not friends).  Just when I begin to think any good in humanity is gone, I find it in the most surprising places, surprising but not entirely unexpected.

Not long ago my young family had an opportunity to see that amidst the adrenaline, competition, and excitement of rodeo, there is still a thick streak of reverence, honor and respect still alive today.  We had just finished a long, hot afternoon of riding horses in the arena when a group of cowboys began loading a handful of bucking bulls through the chutes.  After getting their horses and tack all put away, my little cowboys and cowgirl couldn’t help but be drawn to the spectacle before them.

The bulls were big, athletic, and beautiful.  With only the fence between them and the bulls, they had a close up look at their strength, power, and grace.  We soon realized that this group was here to get some practice rides in before a series of big rodeos ahead of them.  The kids begged to stay and watch, and while dad and I were sure ready to be home for the night, we too were drawn into the scene at the chutes.

We climbed up on the catwalk above the chutes to get the best possible view, ready for them to swing open the gates for our own private rodeo.  The bull riders suited up in their vests, chaps, gloves and masks with their bull ropes and flank straps ready to throw on.  They had warmed up and stretched out.  There wasn’t anything left to do but jump on.

But then they did something that completely caught me off guard.  The group of cowboys circled up in front of the bucking chutes and bowed their heads, folded their arms and prayed.  They offered thanks for all the good they had and the opportunity before them.  They asked for protection, guidance and help so that they could be safe, learn, and improve their skills.  They unselfishly prayed for one another, the animals, and all the help that was present on their behalf, and then closed the prayer.

At first I could hardly believe that a group of indestructible, all knowing, fearless young men would pause to pray before settling onto the back of a powerful, unpredictable animal.  But then my surprise turned to gratitude.  Gratitude for this sport and way of life that teaches its participants that nothing is guaranteed or given.

 Cowboys, farmers, ranchers, and most country folk have been raised and embody the best traits that this world has to offer.  They know that the only way to make a living is to get to work, to put their best effort in and not stop until the job is done and done right.  They also accept that there is a greater power than themselves and surrender to that power.  They know that come rain or shine, drought or deluge, feast or famine, they have to make the most of it.  They know that they have to be tough, strong and brave but that life is also fragile and uncertain.

These types of people still live by the phrase that their “word is their bond” and a “handshake is a binding contract.”  They show integrity, respect, and honesty in all that they do.  Responsibility and accountability aren’t just convenient character traits to pick up when fancies them.  They are codes they live by.

I don’t imagine these young cowboys to be anything more than they were- young, carefree, and maybe even a little reckless.  Yet at the same time, they paid tribute to their maker, lived in the moment with gratitude, and honored the traditions and heritage set before them.  Despite the competitive nature of the sport, they cheered each other on, looked out for one another, and hoped for the very best for each other.  In a moment when they were looking to improve themselves, they still looked outward to help and lift one another up.

I guess it’s possible I see this industry with rose colored glasses.  But when I start to think that this world has little left to offer, I’m thankful for the reminder that there are still good people working shoulder to shoulder to not only feed the world, but raise it up too.