Impatiently Awaiting

Yes, it's official - Monday's snow pushed me beyond my breaking point. I have never been more ready for springtime and consistently warmer temperatures in all my life! Now don't get me wrong, I generally enjoy a good snowfall in December or January. However, when I get a taste of spring like we've had on occasion during February and March, I don't want to go back to bitter cold after that. And this year, it seems as though we have been on a roller coaster ride of cold days, warm days, and back to snow days. I have grown to truly despise snow. Spring turkey season will be here soon, and when I see flocks of birds out in the fields feeding and strutting on sunny mornings this time of year, I begin anticipating that spring will soon be here. But every time I think spring is upon us, here comes another round of snow. I suppose that spring is one of those things that we know is eventually coming, and we will know it's here once it is fully upon us, but until that time, there is always a chance that we could get another late winter rogue snow storm to throw us off balance again and delay its arrival.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NASB)
Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

Anticipation

I am Eastern Shore bound in just a few short days! Outside of maybe last year's trip to Montana, there has not been an outdoor adventure that I can recall in the past few years with which I felt more anticipation and excitement than this one. I suppose it is due to a combination of several factors. First, there is a great group of guys that are planning to go, and I know we will share many laughs, practical jokes and great food even if the fish do not cooperate. Second, we are planning to stay at the Eastern Shore Safaris Lodge in Exmore, which is an area on the Shore that I have never been to before. Third, we will likely fish some areas on both the Bayside and the Seaside that I have never seen or fished. Fourth, with several different sized boats being hauled over that can handle a variety of conditions, I hope to have the opportunity to hook and land a cobia, a bull red or a gator trout, all of which would be firsts for me. And fifth, I will be able to take a break from work and recharge before the busy fall season begins. Did I mention that I can't wait?

Mark 13: 30-33 (NASB)
Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

Looking Forward to Better Days

Do any of you experience a 'down time' during the year? I think it is occasionally referred to as seasonal depression. I have to admit that I definitely do, and that time is now. Deer season is over, turkey season is not here yet, the days are relatively short, and most days are too cold to think about fishing. My wife dreads this time of year because she says I pace around the house, obsessing about and over-analyzing my ailments, and struggling to find something to do. What does help me is that I am a planner and a 'prepper', so I can stay busy taking weekly trips to the local sporting goods stores, putting fresh line on my fishing reels, cleaning up, repairing and organizing my hunting clothes, even working on tree stands and cutting shooting lanes. What really fuels me during this down time, though, is researching, planning and looking forward to my upcoming hunting and fishing trips. This year, in addition to discovering the 'God-sized' plans that He has for Scope & Hook, I am planning to spend a week out in western Montana assisting Brodie Swisher with his Youth Bowhunter Camp. I am also looking forward to a three-day fishing and shooting trip to the Eastern Shore of Virginia with the Cool Spring sportsmen. You know you are passionate about the outdoors when in January you are already planning out your entire year's vacation around when you want to be in the field!