OUTDOOR TRUTHS

 Now that turkey season is over, my mind moves to the water and I can't believe that I almost went fishing this morning. I'm sick, or obsessed, or passionate, or something. But I really did want to go.
When I think of my fishing trips, my mind no longer defaults to a bass boat on the lake. Now it seems to always take me to the small river that is only a few miles away and to my twelve feet long Jon boat. I think of the presence of smallmouth and the absence of people.
Fishing in this way, is a healing experience for the soul, mind, and body. I simply place my cares on the current and watch them be washed far past my ability to see them any longer. The river is being renewed each moment with a stream that has never passed this way before and I am there to welcome it. If I could take it in my arms and hug it, I would. I owe it that for all the times it has taken me into its caring embrace. I know I sound a little nostalgic, but the older I get, the more I love what surrounds hunting and fishing as much as hunting and fishing itself.
As I have grown older, I have also acquired a greater love for the Scriptures. I didn't set out for that to happen, even though I wanted it to. It happened as I experienced them. It happened as I placed my life in their waters and set my sail by their directions. It happened because over the years they have comforted me when I needed it most and encouraged me when I found that encouragement in no other place. To be honest, there have been many times that I have taken my Bible and have hugged it. It has been so faithful, loyal, and steadfast. In a world that has changed so much over the years of my life; the Scriptures have remained the same. And I love that as well.
 My friend, the Bible will never become a treasure to you until you experience it by trusting its message. And the only way you can trust its message is by placing your life in its truths. When you do that, you begin to experience the healing it brings to every part of your life. And its healing properties will continually draw you, and even stronger after an extended time in a tainted world. David said, "Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much." And the more we test them, the more we will love them as well.

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org