ON THE TRAIL NIGHT GUARD DUTY
On old-time cattle drives, every cowhand except the horse wrangler and cook had to take turns riding night guard. Once the cattle settled in for the night and all sat down, it only took two men to watch over them.
These two rode in opposite directions, circling the herd. Two reasons for that. One, it kept the men separated. Cowpunchers riding alongside one another tended to talk some and might neglect the herd. Also, the noise of men talking in the dark ran the risk of making a fiery, snuffy herd rise up and run.
Two, having the men ride in opposite directions around the herd provided a view in two different directions. That cut down the chances of one of the steers straying off.
Stormy Nights
It took a seasoned cowhand to ride night guard on a stormy night. A cowhand couldn’t so much as strike a match or clear his throat without causing the herd to bolt. Old timers used to joke that on those nights a man had to ride a mile away just to spit. In the Old West, it was necessary to take good care of the herd, even when they slept.
Who Do You Guard?
It seems to me, you and I should spend a little time riding night guard.
Paul tells Timothy to “Guard what has been entrusted to your care.” (1 Timothy 6:20)
Who are the ones over whom the Lord would have you ride night guard? Who needs spiritual security, safety from the enemy’s breach? Your spouse? Your kids? Others in your neighborhood? A church youth group? Your Bible study group? A prayer partner? Students in your class?
While we can’t circle them every moment, we can surround them with fervent prayer. We can build a wall of protection by teaching them the truth of God’s Word. And we can personally go to battle against any enemy that tries to attack or destroy them.
All the Thanks We Need
The cattle don’t always even know that someone’s riding night guard. And they certainly don’t thank the cowboys for the work done on their behalf. Neither will those over whom you ride night guard. But the cowboy doesn’t expect recognition from the cattle. He hopes to please the boss.
And Jesus’ “Well done, faithful servant” is all we will ever need to hear.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1996
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“Night Guard Duty” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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