Messing about in Boats!
Spring is here, the winter woollies are making their way back to the wardrobe and it is time to start planning some outdoor activities. To me, fishing from my boat is always high on the agenda – in fact it usually comes right at the top. My kids always buy fishing gear for me at Father’s Day because they know it is a guaranteed winner. My son Aidan realises it will help his chances of getting a day in the boat too, so it’s a win for all and I love taking him with me. There just seems to be something about being in the boat with my son and throwing in a line. They are special moments between a father and son. I love the quote in the Wind in the Willows, where Ratty is speaking to Mole because it highlights the sense of peace you get on the water,
“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not”. (Kenneth Grahame - Wind in the Willows).
Watching the sun rise over the water is always a great moment, especially when there is a beautiful mist hovering above the water reflecting the colours of the sunlight. It is an amazing sight, yet it only lasts a few moments. It quietly speaks to me of creation and reminds me of the Creator and how God is in control. We humans are not here by chance, there is a reason. Seeing the beauty of God’s creation at those times is part of His plan for me, it is not something that just happens. God has a reason for every moment in our life. Even those amazing early morning fishing trips that Aidan and I enjoy so much are important moments in His grand plan.
Jesus knew about fishing and spent time in boats, in fact he had at least 1 wild ride in a boat during a massive storm, that He calmed by simply speaking to it (Matthew 8:23). For Jesus every moment is an opportunity to have an impact on others, calming a storm was one great opportunity. In John 21:11, where Jesus advised the disciples on what side of the boat to fish, I can’t help but think how pleased I would be if someone directed me to a spot where I can catch 153 large fish in a day. Again we see Jesus having a big impact by making the moment count.
I could discuss fishing and boating references from the Bible. Perhaps I could share my own fishing stories, and I have many to tell in true fisherman style, but I am not writing about these things. Sometimes, catching fish is a secondary benefit of a great fishing trip, especially when I take Aidan along. I really believe God has a much bigger agenda for each of my trips onto the water.
As an angler I find the story in John 21 quite compelling. Jesus directs his disciples to the other side of the boat to catch fish and possibly had caught his own too (21:9). Funnily enough, it is not the fishing aspect that compels me the most. What I really like about this story in the Bible, is what occurred after the fish were caught. Jesus and the disciples gathered together and engaged in a conversation that was deep, meaningful and uninterrupted by distraction. This conversation had lasting significance to the disciples and for us today. To me, it is the relational aspect of a fishing trip that can be the best part – it is so good to spend time with others in the quietness of the morning and be totally free from interruptions. What an amazing opportunity this is to have quality time with my son.
You see, when I sit for hours at a time in my tinnie, with Aidan or a mate, there is a lot of time to talk. If the fishing is quiet, and it often is, talking is the only thing left to do. We love to talk about blokey type things, and this is really important in building relationship, but there is also time to have real, quality conversations. We talk about life, friends, work and God. Just as Jesus spent time talking with His disciples, I believe I need to do the same with whoever God has placed in my life (or boat!) at that time. It is no coincidence that we are both there so the time is precious.
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| Fishing can be more impacting than just messing about in boats and catching fish - make the most of the time! |
After His resurrection Jesus could have plotted a grand plan to show His power against the authorities of the day. In contrast, Jesus met with individual people and engaged them in conversation, as we see at that breakfast by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus knew this as the way to influence and to have a long lasting impact. Speak the truth to one person at a time, through relationship and quality conversation and you will make a difference. Jesus saw each encounter as a time with a purpose. It is a good model of how we can relate to our children and friends - through making quality time, building relationships, talking to one another and seeing each conversation as purposeful.
I am really challenged to use the days out in my boat as more than an opportunity to catch some fish. They are more than just times of “messing about in boats” as Ratty would describe it. These are created times, arranged by the same Creator of the beautiful surrounds I find myself in. They are times that can be used to bring about change on an eternal scale for my son, friends and myself. You may not go fishing, maybe early mornings are not your thing. However, I am sure there are times where you find yourself placed in a situation, or you can arrange an activity where you can engage with your children and others meaningfully. It may be at the footy, seeing a movie, playing with your kids at the park, scrapbooking or a family holiday. These are all situations that God places you in, for a reason. It is not by chance that you are there. Just as the sunrise only lasts a few moments, so too will these opportunities come and go. I really need to use these moments, to build relationship and speak the truth to my son. I want to make these times count in the grand plan...... messing about in the boat and catching some fish can be an added extra!
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart – Psalm 15: 1 - 2
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| Bar Island, on the Hawkesbury River. There is an amazing old church located here. |
