I am hanging my gone fishing sign out for a couple of weeks. The pandemic we are in has caused us to choose to take a stay- cation. We have a few projects to work on this week. One is to get our boat ready to take on the river. We realized that it has been over two years since we took it out. Who knew what would crawl underneath the cover when we stored it in our barn. I had my husband search every nook and cranny to make sure the snake who left his skin behind had left himself!
What does this have to do with being a caregiver? It is to remind you that life goes on and you will have to make adjustments when your days of caregiving are over. You will reevaluate your life and goals. You will ask God to give you new dreams for your future. It is a strange place to be, but you can grow as a person in the process.
Fishing is something my husband and I have done since we starting dating as teenagers. Many seasons of work loads, raising children, doing ministry and caring for parents prevented us from indulging in this pleasure. We love getting away from everything and catching the fish. I have caught tiny and colorful sunfish as well as an almost 8 pound large mouth bass. There are huge catfish that are caught in the river near us. Fishing can be done with a simple cane pole and bobber, on a trotline, with a net, noodled by hand, with a fly rod or a fancy reel.
When our children were very young we went camping. After tying the canoe up and sending the children to the shore, my husband and I were walking toward them on the pier. He yelled for me to hold his feet and plopped onto his belly. There was a large bass just fanning his fins in the water. He quickly reached down and got it with his hands. We cooked it for dinner. When dinner was over we joined the circle around a campfire. All of the other campers were older adults. They had witnessed our fishing episode. Another couple had fished on the lake all day and joined us after we had all discussed the adventure. When they heard our story they asked “Did the hushpuppies and fries just float up too?”. Clearly, they thought we were all telling them a fish tale.
As I think about the different ways to fish, I think about how many times the word fish, fishing and fishers are used in the Bible. Some of these sounded like “fish tales” as well.
Jesus chose fishermen as his first disciples. He taught a parable using fish. He multiplied the fish to feed the crowds. He provided a gold coin through a fish to pay taxes. He cooked fish for his disciples after his resurrection. God taught Jonah a lesson in the belly of a fish. These are not tales they are the truth. God still calls us. He still provides for us. He even teaches us hard lessons sometimes.
As I have set time aside to fish, I have set time apart to seek God and ask Him about my future. We are never to old to be used by God. He can place new dreams in our hearts with a renewed passion to live a life that brings Him glory. When I am back, you may just hear some new fish tales. Who knows?
Be blessed and remember that God loves you deeply.
Word for Today
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I praise you for your provision in my life. I place my hope and future in your hands. I come asking for guidance. Help me to grow and mature to carry out your plans for my life. Quiet my mind and help me to tune out distractions so I can hear your voice.
Amen
Walking Them Home 