Fishing and fathers often go together. For me, it was my Uncle Bill who taught me to fish. Those quiet moments on the lake will forever stay with me, and the lessons of fishing are buried treasure in the soul. 

Establish the best chance for success.  

You motor to just the right fishing spot. It is often along the shoreline with good vegetation. You set out at just the right time, dusk or dawn. 

You have the right equipment, live bait, sharp hooks and quality rods. You may even use a fish finder or best be familiar with the lake.

You do all you can to make it a success, knowing there will always be things out of your control. 

Bring the right attitude. 

You cast and cast and cast. Nothing! You stay out there! Your line gets tangled. You untangle and cast again. Wait and wait and wait. It may take hours. It is worth the wait. 

After a while, you move the boat and change your fishing spot. You may have to push yourself! We do get set in our ways. 

It takes a lot of patience, persistence, and willingness to change when it’s wise. 

Appreciate the good stuff. 

You watch the sun dance on the water and feel the breeze. You stay alert to your fishing pole. A dragonfly rests there. And then, you feel the tug and hook the fish! It’s exciting to reel in your catch. 

Enjoy the journey and be sure to count your blessings along the way. 

Make good choices. 

The fish is on the boat, and it’s a keeper! You place your catch in a live well or on ice to filet up later. Or even better, you release it, so it can be free. 

Life provides opportunities for choices all of the time. Your life is your choices. Think before you act, before you speak, and always think of others. Realize the consequences.   

Keep the faith. 

You spend the whole day fishing with not a catch, but maybe next time? Take your time and have faith. Stay true to the course. Everything will work out just fine and as it should. 

Life has pain, sorrow, and heartache. If we find, and can give, some encouragement, hope, and love, life is rewarding. 

“Rejoice, and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” Matthew 5:12 (NIV)

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay