Nesters All Over the Place
When ‘nester’ farmers first came into the wide open western range land, they were pretty much disliked. For the old-time cattlemen, they were an intrusion, not only on their business, but on the grandeur of the scenery.
Instead of gazing across a wide plain of grass and sage, instead of isolation and privacy, the cattlemen looked across the valley and spotted the farmer’s home. With its little patch of brush cleared back and stacked in a circular form to protect the first garden from the roving range cattle, to the cattlemen it looked like a gigantic bird’s nest.
Messing With the View
A house, garden, a few barnyard animals and a big brush fence made the compound look like a miniature fort. One nest and then another and another. And others sprouted up. So, the cowboys soon began to call the squatters ‘nesters.’ The name quickly spread until it was a universal name of derision used by all in the cattle business.
But it’s not all that bad a name when you think about it.
Being a Nester
Nesters are those trying to build a place of birth, nurture, and protection for their families. In a way, maybe we should all be nesters. A good home environment is sort of a comfortable nest, isn’t it? Sometimes a term offered as criticism, jest, and ridicule can turn out to be a noble label.
Those Christians
Take the word Christian, for instance.
The Bible says, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
The word means “little Christs.” That is, the disciples ran around trying to copy Christ, trying to be like Him. So some, hoping to put them down, began to call them “Little Christs” or Christians.
A Good Name After All
It turned out to be a good name. Faithful people aren’t ashamed to state that, indeed, they’re trying to pattern their life after Jesus Christ. They might not be constantly successful in the venture, but it’s their daily goal.
So, the name Christian became the proud label for those who believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. They strived to be like Him.
Our Real Identity
Besides, it’s never been too important what others call us. The one name that’s important will be what the Lord Himself calls us. On that day we will be called His child. That beats being called a Christian or a nester.
Stephen Bly
Copyright 1995
Sepia Frontier Homestead Image by Marc Mooney from Pixabay
Jesus Nameplate Image by PixelAnarchy from Pixabay
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“One Nester After Another” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Circa 1995. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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