Hoss walked silently by the lake, marveling at the power of beauty. There, before him, was Lake Tahoe, challenging the high mountains. Surrounding the lake and mountains were the Ponderosa Pines that his father so loved. And over all this, was a sky full of diamond stars in the black sky, no moon intruding on the delicate balance of the picture that no other than God painted himself, surely just for Hoss, for this one night.

Hoss had gotten up in the middle of the night to come out here and think. With all the work he’d been doing, the place he was now, was the only place he could relax and think. He sat down under a tree and had a dashing view of his father’s land. Nothing much had happened lately, so Hoss knew that he didn’t have a special reason for coming out here this night. But he had lain awake in bed, a sudden feeling of being crowded over coming him. So here he was, no longer crowded, sitting underneath a tree and collecting the soft, gentle dew that kept the place alive.

Hoss knew that his home was on the Ponderosa, and he knew that he would never be able to live anywhere else. This ranch was where he would continue out his years. He wanted to marry a girl he loved, and raise his children on the Ponderosa. But, until then, Hoss was happy with the company of his father and brothers.

Ah yes, his father and brothers. His father was a man of good values, and willing to help anybody who needed it. In Hoss’s perspective, he was the best father anyone could ever hope for. Hoss was very fortunate and honored to be the middle son of Benjamin Cartwright. Ben was always there for him, and was a good leader to him.

And his brother Adam was like another father to him. Hoss enjoyed his company. Adam was wise and alert, ready to defend his younger brothers. Hoss was happy with his role as peacemaker between the family. Adam and Joe were always butting heads, and Hoss would somehow find himself in the middle of it, and found himself breaking them up. When troubled, his brothers would open up and talk to him, and Hoss would listen. Hoss decided that he would never condemn his family, no matter what.

Hoss then thought of his little brother, Joe. Joe was always getting in trouble, usually pulling Hoss in it with him. And left it to good ol’ Hoss to get them out of it. Hoss knew himself too well to deny anything from his brothers. He would do anything for them.

He thought about what he had read in his Bible about happiness. He had carefully memorized it. He began saying it to himself,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs’ is the Kingdom of Heaven!

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs’ is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake,”

But Hoss was interrupted when he heard,

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Hoss turned around and saw his father walking up to him. Ben sat down beside him, and father and son sat there, staring at the lake and mountains.

“I enjoyed listening to you recite Matthew 5.” Ben said, seeing that his son had been doing serious thinking.

Hoss nodded.

“Thanks, pa.” Hoss said, glad of his father’s company. He hadn’t realized that he had his Father’s company all along.

Again, he looked up at the stars.