I used to love going fishing with my grandpa. I didn’t so much like the actual fishing part- especially taking the fish off the line- but I loved sitting in the boat while he fished.
I remember him licking his finger and sticking it up in the air.
“Wind from the west, fish bite best. Wind from the east, fish bite least,” he’d say.
“Where’s the wind coming from today, Papa?” I’d always ask.
He also taught me to throw back the smaller fish. They weren’t worth the time and effort. We needed to focus on the bigger ones for a fish fry. He hosted them often out at his camp.
I wanted to keep them all. Big ones, little ones. Bream, catfish, trout, bass…I even wanted to keep the trash fish.
It was a metaphoric glimpse into my future as I grabbed everything that came along in life, even things that weren’t good for me. I settled for mediocrity that was immediate instead of waiting on treasures. I collected a lot of trash fish.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him…Psalm 37:7
He has a plan for you, a plan to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11) but you’re too busy grabbing whatever is floating on top of the water to receive it.
My grandfather knew the art of patience, both in fishing and in waiting on the Lord. I was a little more fidgety.
But I did know how to lay down in the boat and immerse myself in a good book for a little while!
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31



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