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| ps from psI’ve never been much of a fisherman. And I don’t go often, But when I do fish, it takes time, usually something good happens but it’s different every time. This might surprise some frequent flyer readers to hear, but I’m fairly impatient. If I don’t have a “fish on” in the first 15 minutes, I usually start questioning where I’m fishing, the depth, the conditions, the lure or worm. Most times, I move the boat, cast in a different area or move up or down the river to try something different. In the midst of the frustrations, it’s important to remind myself that, no matter the results, I’m still relaxing, hanging with friends/family and connecting to creation. No matter how many 4″ sunfish I hook, it’s always great to feel yourself land one and reel it in. Then you toss them back in the water and wish them luck with the rest of their day. “Come follow me and I will teach you to fish for people.” – Jesus, to the first disciples in Matthew 4. These were real fisherman Jesus was inviting! Toss a big net sort of guys that could bring in a big haul. And now they were going to fish for people?? That was a big ask. Probably a scary step. I wonder if there experiences with people were also time consuming, with good things occasionally happening and different all the time? Well I guess I don’t have to wonder, because it’s written all through the gospels and the book of Acts. Fishing for people was hard, needed patience, hard work to see the good times sometimes and brought all kinds of different responses. Did I say was or is??!! It was then and is now. We read story and story in Scriptures of having to feed the hungry, deal with abuse of power, stand with those who were broken, speak up for those cast aside and even kick off the dust when people didn’t listen. Same as today. And maybe needed even more than ever before. I hope this week whether you are a fisherman, lawyer, teacher, retired, in school, drive for Uber, or anyone else just minding your own business, I hope you’ll fish in this world. For people. With the same love, grace, forgiveness and direction that Jesus used on his lure for you. His love for you. It may not be fast or easy. It may need multiple interactions and spots on the river. It may need patience and direction from God. But the people in your sea…your lake…your river… are worth it. Worth the love. Worth the grace. Worth the compassion. And as you fish, may you sense that bite when it all comes together through the Holy Spirit and hear “fish on!”! Lord, help me to be patient and continue fishing. Amen Still in One Peace ps. |
January 21, 2026
