A Cowboy’s Faith
By Frank J. Buchman
“There have been more cancellations in the past several months than all of history combined.”
While that might not be a true statement, it actually could be and definitely seems that way.
Impossible to list all of the events which have been canceled, but the coronavirus shutdown caused many of them.
“The show will go on” has generally been philosophy of cowboy events for decades. It’ll be “rain or shine” kept action continuing annually until this year. Several of the longest running attractions felt obligated to cancel rather than face the high risks.
Decision was most difficult often with strong disagreement among leaders some still not giving in yet grudgingly permitting majority rule.
Postponement was an initial action for certain groups confident “things will get better and we can go on.” However, now many of those optimists have been forced to back off. They too have decided there was “just no way” to safely host an event under present circumstances.
While many contend this has been the most unusual year of all time, cancellations are nothing new. Sporting events from baseball to swimming meets to horseshows have frequently been canceled in previous years.
Reasons for not conducting activities have also most often been for personal safety. There’s just too much risk to continue with tornado warnings, nonstop pouring rain, and lightning flashes in the sky.
Despite occasional cancellations through the years some events generally continued even with inclement conditions.
A fond teenage memory is riding in the Flint Hills Rodeo parade through drenching rain the entire route. Two hours more of downpour in the bleachers watching the rodeo. It rained all three performances that year with no thought of cancellation.
The Christmas parade at Lawrence has gone on through heavy rainstorms, snowstorms and below freezing temperatures. It takes a long time to get the chill out afterwards even when there’s a good pickup heater.
Details are now vague, but a number of years ago a large county fair horseshow continued in daylong heavy rain. The judge, much younger those days, had to sympathize with the dedicated youth riders as difficult as was his paperwork.
Even with modern communications knowing an event is canceled remains an issue sometimes. However, “it’s canceled” is generally the right decision.
Reminded of Acts 27:44: “Cancel this so everyone is safe.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XIV–29–7-19-2020
