Christmas
- A Time To Really Fish
Well
I am going to preface this by saying, “I am sorry of this
offends anyone, but all around us I see other beliefs brought
into the spotlight. At a time when most are avoiding saying it,
for most Americans it is Christmas Time. Not Happy Holidays or
Seasons Greetings as many retailers have put it as to not offend
anyone. So It is time to share Christmas as most Americans believe.
(from the fishdelta archives). Hey retailers, what about the majority
of people you are offending when you call it anything other than
Christmas.
Face it, we all enjoy fishing and if you’re
reading this column you probably already have experienced catching
fish. We all are in agreement that Fishing is a great sport, Right?
Whether it is your first fish or your millionth, still there is
a incredible feeling of excitement when you catch a fish, that’s
why we do it. What does it take to be a good fisherman? Well,
if you really want to be a good fisherman, there are several things
that you need to know and do.
Get equipped! Preparation is as big a part of
the task as the task itself. We spend hours in or shops and on
our boats getting ready for that big trip, yet often we don’t
spend the hours we need preparing to do what He has asked. You
could just get piece of string, put a hook on it, and tie it on
the end of a stick and catch a fish or two A serious fisherman
will make sure that he has all the right equipment. You will need
a nice rod and reel, the right “tool” for the job
so to speak. For many, Christian angler/athletes that tool can
be as simple as a smile in the face of adversity or the willingness
to give thanks for our success. There are many good anglers out
there that throw simple Lures, Bass Pro’ Randy Howell, would
be one that comes to mind of personal integrity.
I asked Mr. Howell about some of his thoughts
on the subject, “First of all, to be a fisher of men, you
must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What I mean
by this is having a close daily walk with the Lord to be in his
will for your own life. What I have learned over my 11 year career
is that most all fishermen have been exposed to many Christians
that talk the talk but do not walk the walk. This is common in
everyday life as well. The world is always pulling at us trying
to get us down, and that is why a daily walk with Jesus Christ
is the only way to keep your head above the water. I feel very
blessed to be able to reach fishermen for Christ. I am no better
than anyone else, but because of God's grace and mercy, He is
able to use me and has given me a testimony that reaches others.
I think it is very important in these last days to be real and
transparent in our Christian walk. All that people are looking
for is something that is real and works, and Jesus is the only
One that can fill that need. It is our job as fishers of men to
show the true love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to everyone
we come in contact with.”
Fishing whether for fish or Men is labor intensive,
although we often break it down to the simplicity of hook, line
and reel it in. Sure there are days I wish I could stay home in
the comfort of my home and say “I’m Fishing today”.
Well, sitting at home reading fishing magazines won’t get
it done. We have to go where the fish are to catch fish! Yes,
there are those who won’t understand you, or question your
motives. The fact is we have all lived less than perfect lives,
having the opportunity to share that with others and show them
there is real success for those seek Him is awesome.
The hardest part can be patience. We have all
seen it, how many times have you asked a child to be patient?
The same is true here, sometimes the fish just aren't biting.
We all want to catch a fish the minute your lure hits the water,
but sometimes it just doesn’t happen that way, there are
times that we go fishing and don't catch anything, well, it’s
not often but it happens. Howell bring up a great point when He
says, “I am no better than anyone else, but because of God's
grace and mercy, He is able to use me and has given me a testimony
that reaches others.” It’ is patience and hard work
in our lives that will make a difference.
Just like tossing the lure out there and pulling
it till a fish ambushes, We seek fish that are willing to bite,
it’s this approach that we take. Take hunting for example,
it is pretty find it and force yourself on it, you might catch
one once in a while but it is difficult. Fishing is basically
just a matter of approaching those who look at your lure, not
forcing the issue.
Christmas the celebration of Christ birth is the
perfect time to be there for other to answer those questions about
the lures in your life? Are using the arsenal you have in front
of you or are you just cutting bait. That extra smile, thankfulness
of the Talent the He has given you, these things we have because
of what He had done for us.
Doing
these things, we can really become fishers of men. If you think
there is a tremendous feeling of excitement in catching a fish,
just imagine how exciting it must be to bring someone to Christ!
My Christmas wish is for more to know Him! May You and Yours have
a great Christmas! Any Questions?
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
Would
you like to use this article to add content to your website or
newsletter?
Send an email to: articlerequest@fishdelta.com
Inlcude your name, your website, and the name of the article you
would like to use.
And we'll respond back to you within 48 hours or less with the
details
