INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday was our annual fishing tournament at our church. It was truly a fun-filled day with great weather, great food, and loads of families enjoying the day together.

In addition to our “anglers”, we had an option for people to take an eco-tour and spend some time on one of our local islands that provides great shelling. It was also filled with people young and old wanting to spend some time together in Father’s natural surroundings.

I was fortunate to be on a boat, where to be honest, I think I was the oldest person on the boat, (not comments out there now). There were teenagers and young children, even a two-year-old, and they were all so excited. Several of the kids had never fished before so that was even more fun, to see the excitement in their eyes as we left the dock.

As we got out to sea I found myself spending a lot of time just watching everyone around the boat rather than truly fishing myself. The mates on the boat helped the younger children fish. It was truly wonderful to watch as the first young child reeled in their first fish. The mate took the small fish off the hook and held it so the child could see and touch it. Then yes, the nervousness turned into, “Ya I can hold that”. He took the small fish and held it so Mom could get the picture, then back into the water he sent it. He was so excited, and I just smiled thinking about these wonderful gifts from Father.

Looking around that boat and listening to the kids, it was really all I needed yesterday. I joked with the teenagers, especially the one next two me who at one point said, “I just need to catch one fish and I’ll be happy”. Well, not long after, he did indeed catch one fish…a 37″ paddle head shark. “There ya go”, I said after the pictures and it was released back into the water. He just smiled and said, “Ya that was pretty cool”.

When we got back to the church, after enjoying lunch, (complete with ice cream sandwiches for dessert), we had the awards ceremony. Even more fun as the little kids received awards and small trophies for their efforts. Again, seeing their faces light up as they went up to get their prizes, they were so excited. Our two-year-old angler smiled so big through the chocolate on his face from his ice cream sandwich, as he posed for a picture with his trophy. Again, I looked around and just thanked Father for these beautiful blessings, His most wonderful gift, children.

Friends, I know I’ve said it before, but we are truly blessed with amazing gifts from God. Watching the wonder in the eyes of a child as they experience new things for the first time is so rewarding. They are so innocent, so trusting and our responsibility is to teach, guide, protect, and love them.

Thanks for letting me share a little of my day yesterday. As I said, I was blessed to be a part of it. Oh and if you’re wondering, I didn’t land anything big yesterday, no trophy for this angler. That’s ok, my reward was spending the day with the kids.

Have an awesome day my friends, may it be filled with time to enjoy Father’s incredible gifts 🙂 .

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”