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.

Spring has Sprung

It has been amazing to watch how the leaves, bushes, flowers and other vegetative growth have literally sprung forth during the past week. I do not recall a previous year where the change in temperatures and growth has been so quick and noticeable. Now, according to our calendars, all this was supposed to begin this year sometime right around March 20, with that being the first day of astronomical Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. However, most of you probably recall the snow and temperatures in the 20s and 30s around the time we were all expecting a warm-up. It seems to me to be one more reminder of how we cannot manipulate or control the timing of much of anything, to include the weather and the seasons.

2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.