Pray a Little Louder Than You Cuss

There are two kinds of people in this world:

Those who gracefully handle chaos like saints.

Those who scream “OH COME ON” while trying to catch a horse that’s been turned loose for five seconds and is already three counties over…. Guess which group I’m in.

Out here, you’re gonna cuss.

You can try to act holy if you want to, but the first time you lose a boot in ankle-deep mud while your horse side-eyes you like it’s your fault, it’s coming out.

You know the word…. Well S H * T. My great-grandpa always said if you have a mouthful, sometimes you just gotta spit it out… He was a wise man.

Maybe quietly under your breath. Maybe loud enough for the cows to start praying too. It’s fine. (Sh)it happens.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

When you feel the frustration bubbling up and you’re one hoof stomp away from committing minor property damage, you gotta pray louder than you cuss.

Pray when the feed bill hits harder than expected. Pray when the trailer decides today is the day it’s going to pop a tire on the highway. Pray when the “dead broke” gelding decides he’s actually an untamed spirit of the wild just as the guests pull up. Pray. Loudly.

Or you’re gonna be explaining some very creative language to a very confused group of 8-year-olds.

What does that sound like? Sometimes it’s: “Lord, give me the strength not to set this fence on fire.”

Sometimes it’s: “Jesus, take the reins, because I’m about to take them and the bridle and walk straight off.”

And sometimes it’s just a deep breath, a muttered “Help.” Because that’s enough too. Look, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about surviving ranch life (and life-life) without becoming the villain in your own story.

It’s about remembering that while the horses might be acting like toddlers on a sugar high, God’s still in the barn. Still in the mud.

Still in the busted water lines, the crooked gate hinges, the stuck trailers, and the saddle that decided to slip at exactly the wrong moment.

So yeah, you’ll cuss some days. You’ll pray some days. Most days, if you’re doing it right, you’ll do both… But let the praying win. Because ranch life will knock you down. Faith is what helps you laugh while you’re still laying there in the mud.

Dead Broke.

Dead Tired.

Still Blessed.

And still hollering, “Lord, don’t let me throat-punch anybody today.”