A CHIDHOOD MEMORY

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A Childhood Memory

I read a Devotional by Glen Miller titled: More Cowbell,Please!  He explained how and why ranchers used cowbells.  It started me thinking about my childhood, growing up in Pawnee Okla.  

The downtown was built round the courthouse which was in the very center of the downtown area.  On Saturdays all the Ranchers and Farmers would come to town and park on the square.  It seemed my parents new most the people around Pawnee.  Mom was a telephone operator (no dial at this time) and Dad was a top notch mechanic.  My Grandpa Nuttle had his own Taxi Cab Service.  He had a phone and bench outside the pool hall.  It seemed like most everyone knew each other.

I know you have heard the cliché: It takes a Community to raise a child.  Not sure how it was for the other kids, but I knew that if I made a poor choice, someone would notify my parents so whatever I did would have consequences.  Knowing this helped me think before I acted.  

Churches in our community would take turns opening their doors after sporting events for the youth to gather for fellowship.  The Episcopal Church didn’t have young people or a choir. Some of the youth including me would attend their early church and sing.  They would then feed us breakfast and drop us off at our own churches.  

As a child I felt safe and loved, by this community.  I could walk to and from school without fear. I knew others were looking out for my safety.Times have changed.  Communities are not the same today.  Parents fear letting their children play outside unattended.

  Mr, Miller said that the cowbell is put on the lead cow because the other cows will follow the sound.  Also when storms came or danger threatened the members would run toward the sound to find strength in numbers, unity, protection.

 You are wondering what does a cowbell have to do with us today.  Mr. Miller reminds us that Jesus serves the same purpose as the cowbell.  When threatened, hurt, lost or frightened, He is the One we run to in order to find peace, shelter, protection, guidance and acceptance.  It is human nature to need to run to something bigger than ourselves.  Yes most of have a community of faith, family & friends, but Jesus is the only true source to place our lives.  He alone is our leader that can lead us safely home to the Father.

We are living in a broken world.  We will walk through dark valleys. Listen for the cowbell Jesus is ringing.  Run toward the solid sound and find safety.

Remember God loves you and so do I.