by Tom Brennan

Created on: November 28, 2009   Last Updated: November 30, 2009

A couple of years ago, one of the glossy financial magazines had a story about the most esteemed, respected and lucrative jobs and career paths. At the top were CPA's and Accountants; at the bottom were cowboys. Now, I know that CPA's are fine people, ethical, expert at numbers and sums;maybe a little too reserved and quiet, but nevertheless, good solid folks. Cowboys are another matter. Perhaps the only cowboys you see now-a-days are on the Bull Riders and Rodeos the sports channels carry now and then. It's the cowboys you don't see that fit the best description of "What is a cowboy"?

A cowboy is a reverent man who works outdoors, in all types of weather, usually on a horse, who cares for the animals owned by a rancher. He is reverent because he knows that the Creator made all he sees and doesn't see and he is never afraid to be impressed by natural wonders of sky and pasture. Hawks, eagles, birth of new foals and calfs, he sees birth, death and decay in the same day. He knows the Lord forgives him because he cannot make it to worship sometimes. Fences break, animals get lost, accidents and weather interrupt the "normal" schedule of chaos. Often he worships his Lord from the saddle, thanking Him for letting him see and experience the bext and worst that life can offer and sustain him daily in his labors.

A cowboy does not punch the clock. He works until the job is done. Often he works alone, there is no one to do the work but him. He carries the necessary tools with him, fencing tools, pocket tool, sheath knife, rope and other fixits since you can't leave the job until the thing is fixed. There is no calling technical support, you're it.

He has no job security, no 401K, maybe Social Security. If he gets hurt, he works through it. Aspirin is our friend at the ranch. No whining or massage therapy is included.

A cowboy uses Proverbs 31 to find a wife,since he knows what really counts. Also her biscuits, chili and patience with her husband's long work day can be taken into consideration.

A cowboy is someone who can be expcted to do his job and do it well when no one is around to watch. There is no one to blame but himself for failure and mistakes.

A cowboy knows that "treasure in heaven" is the goal. All the toys, jet skis, SUV's and HDTV's in the world cannot replace the words "Well done good and faithful servant" that he expects to hear when the journey ends.

A cowboy is God's partner in creation. Birthing a foal, calf or other animal reminds him of the miracle of creation and he never ceases to wonder at The Creator's Mind and Plan.

A cowboy is compassionate. He knows the fate of the cattle he watches, but he never tolerates any cruelty, it's not his way. They will be cared for to his best as long as they are in his stewardship.

Maybe he doesn't make much, have a clean office and perks, a 401K, stock options or even a vacation, but a cowboy still is someone you can depend upon to perform under pressure, exceed your expectations, and offer you the strongest cup of coffee and hottest chili ever if he invites you to sit a spell, and he will do just that. Can a CPA do that ?

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