My Dad just celebrated his 72nd birthday. An avid outdoorsman, I learned from him a passion and respect for the woods and wildlife surrounding the banks of the Ocmulgee River where we lived.
I had no idea then how fortunate my two brothers and I were to have a whole palmetto swamp to ourselves when other kids only got a ½ acre for a back yard. Both my parents worked for DNR. Just to give you an idea how serious it was - in the first grade, when asked what the 4 seasons of the year were my reply was (no kidding) ... deer, duck, dove and quail. I tried to address my teacher's surprised expression by explaining that of course, since you can hunt hogs all year long, it didn't count. The opportunity to hunt, fish and roam the woods came at a price though - as the youngest of 3 kids and the only girl, I also secured the dual title of shell-toter and gate opener.
Even so, where my Daddy went - I went.
If he waded in the cold and darkness of 4 a.m. to shoot ducks, I followed - with my brother's waders that were 3 sizes too big and cypress knees wearing out my shins. If he climbed 35 feet up a menacing-looking pine tree so we could "share" a tree stand, I climbed.
He had 3 rules on those excursions:
1. Be still. This was actually more of a threat than a rule.
2. Listen. You can't hear what's coming if you don't stop talking.
3. Follow me. Stay right here with me and you won't get lost.
And with all the faith of a nine-year-old, I obeyed. What I was rewarded with was the peace and stillness of an early morning sunrise. I heard the sounds of nature you can only hear when your mouth and your mind are quiet. Most importantly, I was able to spend valuable time with a father who loved me, gave me wisdom and sacrificed a whole lot to make sure I had everything I needed in life.
So remember, if there are obstacles in your life that are tripping you up or you feel like you've chosen shoes that are too big to fill - if what's before you looks out of your reach, God's word says to:
1. Be still. (Psalm 46:10)
2. Listen. (John 10:27)
3. Follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)
If you do so with childlike faith, you will be rewarded with a peace that surpasses all understanding. You'll hear the voice of God and you'll experience the love of a Father that sacrificed everything He loved so that you will have everything you need in this life...and the next.
The Maker of the Heavens and the Earth chose to love you. Live accordingly. God Bless,Shannon Grindler
Johnny Stokes (my Dad) quote of the week: "It's so wet - it'd bog a buzzard shadow down. J
