Relatively lately, my dear buddy Phillip Ellis, who was in his early seventies, passed away. I am honoured to count Phil as a friend because he was one of the all-time great men.
As a missionary in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, I was sent to the congregation that he frequented, and it was there that I first encountered him. Phil had just recently become a member of the Church, and he often greeted individuals as they entered the building.
All the time, he would arrive with a smile on his face and a half an hour before the scheduled time, and he would be chewing his gumballs. Cowboys, the untamed west, the Lord, and the splendours of life were all things that he cherished. He had a copy of The Cowboy’s Prayer hanging on his wall, and every time I read it, it moved me deeply.
In this moment of reflection, Heavenly Father, I am mindful of the numerous benefits that You have placed upon me. In my life, I pray that You will be my guiding light.
Help me, Lord, to live my life in such a way that when I make my final ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and the water streams cool, You will take me by the hand and say, “Welcome Home Cowboy.” I pray that this will be the case. Thank you.
Phil, till the next time we meet. Thank you, cowboy, for the innumerable memories you’ve given me and for your kindness.
