In 1871, twenty-five-year-old Mark Withers left Lockhart, Texas with a herd of 3,000 Longhorns.  Mark had trailed his first herd at the age of thirteen, driven cattle to the Confederate commissary in New Orleans during the war and was now a seasoned veteran.  The plan was to follow The Chisholm Trail but veer west and cross the “Red” at Red River Station, north of Nocona in Montague County.  The crossing at Red River Station was typical as it had gently sloping banks on each side, several sandbars near the middle of the river and a “left turn” downriver from the crossing.  This bend in the river caused currents that helped the cattle cross more easily. 

The only problem Mark could foresee was the rain which had been falling steadily for several days.  But the herd was calm so they pressed on.  As they neared Denton, however, they began to hear a strange noise---an alto pitched moan which sounded like millions of livestock.  Mark’s thoughts turned to the stories of herds, tied up for miles, and waiting to cross a flooded waterway. 

Sure enough, as they neared the river, they began to catch sight of large numbers of cattle, spread out in all directions.  Legendary rancher Shanghai Pearce rode up and informed them that thirty herds (about 60,000 head) were backed up waiting to cross the swollen Red.  Pearce had been trying for some time to get the trail bosses to move their herds back from the crossing but no one would give up their place in line to cross. 

Withers immediately realized how dangerous the situation was.  He ordered his drovers to hold the herd as best they could and he rode north to the crossing to see for himself.  As he drew close to the station, he saw the river completely out of its banks and cattle, along with nervous cowboys, everywhere. 

Suddenly, two brothers from Sonora, Mexico drove their forty steers into the fast-moving water.  Immediately, the livestock and the horseback brothers were pulled beneath the surface and never seen again.  The shock of their deaths seemed to bring the trailhands to their senses.  They returned to their respective herds and settled them in, picketing the horses, and beginning the opposing circle ride around each herd.  The rain was quiet with no thunder or lightening so as the herds calmed, humans and animals settled in to wait out the storm.     

A cattle drive has been compared to an army, marching cross country, continually at war.  Thankfully, there were no stampedes or major injuries but the herds did become mixed requiring eleven days of sorting.  As each trail boss completed his tally, he took his herd across and continued the drive.  Although Mark Withers was experienced at driving a herd north, this had been a new opportunity to learn.  And learn he had; even years later he would always advise his cowboys to send scouts ahead to check for flooded areas. 

In the same way, learning opportunities come our way regularly.  How we handle these situations says a great deal about our lives.  Do we pay attention or miss them completely?  God puts challenges in our path, but He is always ready to help us get through them.  In fact, He wants to help us.  God never expects us to handle life on our own terms.  His faithfulness to us is unfailing.  Psalm 89:1 says, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” 

Remember God’s love the next time you are beset by the storms of life.  You will do a lot better as you head for home.