Today I took Joel hunting. That is not a first either. However, today I took Joel hunting for the first time that he had a gun that he could shoot at a deer. He was potentially lethal for the first time. A very nice friend of ours had a gun for Joel to use and a place for us to hunt. When we got there, Joel took a little target practice. In the picture, the holes that have the circles around them are the ones that Joel shot.
That's good shooting, Joel. So, we got out in a deer stand and waited for what seemed like a really long time to Joel. 4 deer finally came out after many agonizing hours. OK, it was about an hour and a half. Joel felt like he could shoot them even though they were pretty far across the field. He shot and the crazy deer ran off. I'm not sure how that happened. They must not have known they were shot. Of course, they were pretty far. Joel had a hard time getting the right height to prop up on the deer stand. It was his first time to shoot at a deer. See, hunters can not only find reasons why they miss a deer but also why their sons miss.
It was a fun afternoon. I've wanted to take Joel hunting where he could actually shoot at a deer. He was very proud of his target shooting and had fun shooting at the deer. I think it's important that I remember that it's not the success of a venture as much as the joy in the journey. It's easy to get caught up in a goal for an expedition like shooting a deer, catching a fish or winning a ball game. There needs to be some enjoyment along the way. A smile on my son's face is much more important than the success of a trip.
Which reminds me, am I bringing a smile to my Heavenly Father's face today?
Smiling toward the abundant life
Barry
3 things I thank God for today
1. Joel's smile
2. Friends who share
3. Hopewell people who made it safely to Haiti today to begin a mission trip
Another great story and.of course, a lesson for us all. Thanks for helping me focus on what is important in this life and the one to come.
ReplyDelete