Gone Fishing - Day 2

For the guys in their cabin, it was up and at ‘em at 4:45 am. Then, off they went to stake claim on our patch of “holy” ground below the dam of Lake Tenkiller where we’d hang out with other ambitious and die-hard fishermen until the horn bellowed that the dam's water gates would open to release tons of water into the Illinois River. In the girls’ cabin, we got to sleep in until a robust 5:30 am. There wasn’t a second to lose. We didn’t want to miss those hungry fish that were waiting for us. Landing a 9+ pound stripper bass before we ended the day fishing on Friday at 9:45 pm, was Payton’s friend, Will, and if he didn’t land another 9+ pound stripper bass the first cast out yesterday morning. What a way to start the day! Payton landed one of the largest rainbow trout I’ve ever seen, followed by Larry, Staci and Lexi each pulled in bass and trout. Me, on the other hand, have enjoyed watching them, because those fish passed up MY delicious buffet’s entrees. How could they turn down those yummy power bait glaubs? What in the world? I can relate to the disciples who had fished all night and caught NOTHING! LOL!

Seriously, what enjoyment it is just to be a part of this joyful time with my family. We all shut down for a short while for a little afternoon rest. Then Larry said to Staci “Wanna’ go fishing?” Her reply was “Morning, noon and night!” LOL! There’s something about fishing that relates to Jesus and His disciples. After all, it was Peter and Andrew, brothers who were fishermen, that Jesus called to be His disciples. It was fish that Jesus multiplied to feed the 5,000+. It was fish that Jesus cooked for His disciples. It was in a fish’s mouth that Jesus sent the disciples to obtain the coin to pay their taxes. There’s something about being a fisherman. Jesus set the example, and we’re simply doing what He did. There’s competition, calm relaxation and a potential meal (or meals), as the fruits of the rewards of fishing are bountiful.

We topped tonight off with celebrating Larry's upcoming birthday (the 9th) -- with yummy burgers & hot dogs grilled on the fire pit, then chocolate cake (my finest) and then words from each of us telling him how special and how loved he is by each of us. Then it was finishing the night off with s'mores....and, oh, yes, more fishing.

We’ll be having a huge fish fry tonight – my beer-batter fried fish, as well as my baked trout in foil with lemon and onions. Aw! I can taste it now. Lexi, our animal activist and future veterinarian, on the other hand, wasn’t all that thrilled about the notion of harvesting them for food, but then, again, we reminded her of Jesus’ stamp of approval on fishing. She got over it.

So grateful for these sweet times of embracing God’s creation AND His creatures. And I think to myself, “What a Wonderful World!”