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!”

GONE Fishing!

Another gift Payton received for his birthday was "going fishing". He got to bring a friend with him this time. Before, it was Papa and I taking him and Lexi fishing to our favorite fishing spot, Marvel Camp in Gore, OK. And that's where we came yesterday. Larry and the boys are in one of these great cabins on the Illinois River and Staci, Lexi and I are in the cabin next door.

There are no adequate words to describe what this place means to me. My husband, Ron and I, loved bringing the two older grandkids here each summer. They called it the "Red Neck Yacht Club". They made up that term the first time they saw folks with their lawn chairs, right in the middle of the river....fishing! What hilarious and fun adventures we had -- sitting by the campfire, kayaking, and FISHING. And then, it was Payton and Lexi's turn. The memories made here have lasted a long time, but the sweetest memories are those we want to re-live. That's what we're doing this weekend.

We have always been a family that loves to fish -- each and every one of us -- some more -- some less. We come from a long line of fishermen. My sweet husband led the way for me when we were first married. We would drive from Dallas to Lake Lavon when we'd get off work or go on the weekends to fish. We'd put on our hip waders and walk in below the dam and fish for bass. I would be lined up right beside all the guys. Someone would get a strike and yell "FISH ON!", and the rest of us would reel in our lines so as not to get tangled up in his line with the fish coming in! That started my love of fishing. And, that love has been passed down now to our children and grandchildren. Fortunately, my two youngest boys live right on a creek where they're hauling fish in, almost daily.

Payton, our 3rd-born grandson, because they lived in the same city as us, had more time to spend with Papa and his love of fishing. That was another reason for the tight bond he and Papa had.

There’s something to be said for getting away from it all to get back to God’s creation and “chill”. Chillin’ is what we’re doing. We laugh a lot, tell stories a lot, patiently put our bait on the hook, and cast – over and over again. It’s a routine that brings so many rewards: family togetherness, celebrating life, making memories that will last a lifetime, therapeutic peace and quiet, friendly competition (Who can get the biggest one?) AND the ultimate reward….catching fish for a big old fish fry! Whoo hoo!

What do you do that takes you to a place of peace, quiet, and REWARDS?