High Cotton

There is an old saying that goes something like this: "You're in High Cotton!"  It is usually said in the context of something good, favorable or positive that has happened to someone.  An example would be if someone drives up in a new vehicle - one might say to that person, "Wow, man, you are in high cotton!"



Growing up on the farm, I heard this expression a lot, especially from my Dad.  We didn't grow cotton.  In fact cotton hadn't been grown around or on our farm in many years, although the name of the road that our farm is located on is Cottongin Road.  There probably was an old cotton gin on that road a long time ago, but I'd have to ask around to find out where it was and how long ago it was there. 

The fact that we didn't grow cotton didn't cloud our understanding of what the saying meant.  Things were good!  Literally, the highest cotton was the healthiest plants.  The healthiest plants produced the biggest and most bolls, resulting in terrific yields and profit.  High cotton was a very good thing, just as high soybeans or other crops.  Well, scratch that.  My high corn blew down in the storm, but you get my point.

Anyway, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Good Book tells us, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  Admittedly, this is a lot easier said than done.  Especially when the storms of life blow in and you're faced with what seems like a never ending stream of calamities.  I'm often tempted to fall into discouragement.  Have you ever felt that way?  I sure have.

There is an old gospel song we still sing at church called "Count your Blessings".  Perhaps you know it.  Here are the lyrics:

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Sometimes, many times, we are so blessed even amidst our trials.  You don't have to have riches and fancy things to be happy.  Many times simplicity IS one of the keys to happiness.  Simple things are a blessing.  For example, here is a funny thing I was thinking about just the other day that illustrates the point about simplicity and being content:  When I was growing up, opening a can of sardines was a real treat!  My brother and I would go outside (because they stunk up the house), open up the can of sardines with the little key that came wrapped in the cellophane and pull those little fish out of the can with a plastic fork and we'd gobble them down.  YUM! or YUCK! depending on your perspective!

Some mighty fine eating, right there.

Opening a can of sardines was a positive thing for us.  Sometimes, we'd even get the fancy sardines that were packed in mustard or Louisiana Hot Sauce.  High Cotton, indeed!  We would, however, have to climb on top of the grey Oldsmobile station wagon with the simulated wood grain veneer on the sides to eat them up on the luggage rack in order to get away from the cats who would invariably come running at the scent.  It's all a matter of perspective.  How are we going to view things?

Whether life throws us delicious canned sardines or smelly little fish, it is all a matter of perspective.  (Someone pass the breath mints, please.)  We don't have to look around long to find others in much worse predicaments than we find ourselves in.  And we have a Good God, a loving, supportive family, a roof over our heads, a full stomach, etc. etc.  If we are honest, we must admit, we're in HIGH COTTON!