| Outdoor Truths: Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ July 5th |
Gary Miller ~ outdoortruths.org
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The temperatures have been sweltering even though summer has just begun. Three days in a row over 100 degrees makes outdoor activities less appealing – unless they include a dip in the lake, and even that is like swimming in a tub of hot bath water. Yes its summer, but I won’t complain. This is just the characteristics of where I live.
I just returned from southern California and it was odd that while this area is known for its diversity, I seemed to be the only one who stood out. I tried to keep my mouth shut in order not to give myself away, but as soon as I ordered breakfast at the IHOP, it was immediately known that a foreigner had arrived. The waitress almost burst into a full-fledge laugh as I asked for the “payuncakes.” She apologized but the damage was already done. I can remember this same scenario happening in Maine at Dunkin Donuts. It must have something to do with breakfast.
While in California, I met people from all parts of the country – and even from other countries. After a few days some of them found out about my association with hunters and fishermen and as a result many of them came out of the closet (which is common in California); they admitted that they too were hunters and fishermen and began to show me the pictures to prove it. It really did feel like they were able to finally share some of the most memorable times of their life without the possibility of ridicule. And what I found was, people from all over the country love to hunt and fish – even in California. There were stories from New Mexico, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wyoming. They included elderly fathers and young sons. And all were spoken of with a cherished thought. I was reminded once again about how hunting and fishing can bring so many positive things in people’s lives.
This week I will continue to add to this list of memories. I will take my grandson on his first fishing trip. At 5 years old, he will ask lots of questions and will have the patience of, well a 5 year old. But that first fish, and our experience, will tattoo his mind for the rest of his life. Without any urging from me, he will never forget this day. This means that along with his first fish, there must be a first lesson. That lesson must also be unforgettable and that too will be easy because of the illustration that accompanies it and by the picture we will share that will capture the memory in earnest. And lastly, this one single day will bond us together forever like nothing else I know. It really will be a special day – just like the special days others shared with me as they came out of the closet in southern California.
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