The Muse is Loose

Most everyone has heard of The Pony Express. Not many know the complete story. I just finished reading "The Saga Of The Pony Express" by Joseph J Di Certo, MJF books. This mail route ran from St. Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco, over 1800 miles. Each ride was to be completed in TEN days. That was twice as fast delivery as a stagecoach. The Pony Express' main purpose was to keep California informed of what was going on in Washington and the East. Telegraph had only reached to St. Joseph.
Riders carried mail in a pouched saddle cover called a mochila. The mochila could quickly be moved from one horse to another. Stations,with fresh horses and riders,were spaced along the 1840 mile trip. There were many dangers, the worst ones being hostile indians and bad weather. The Pony Express survived for eighteen months. Telegraph; scandals in the company; and the Civil War, gave it a brief life. The most famous rider was Bill Cody, known as Buffalo Bill. Others were just as daring, but not as flamboyant. Cody was fourteen when he joined the Pony Express.This is not a book review! I want to share one significant item. A poster advertising for riders called for the following qualifications:
" WANTED, YOUNG SKINNY, WIRY FELLOWS NOT OVER EIGHTEEN. MUST BE EXPERT RIDERS, WILLING TO RISK DEATH DAILY. ORPHANS PREFERRED." What about the pay? What are the hours? Per-diem? Health insurance? Sick leave? Retirement plan? Uniforms furnished? Vacation? Who would take a job like that? Only the daring. Only the dedicated. Only the bravest! Only those who would give their all, if need be. Take a moment to read these qualifications: "Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39. Christ's demands upon His followers call for the daring, dedicated and brave. The journey is a life-time one. There are many dangers along the way. Interested?