BLESSED IN THE OUTDOORS
Hunting is more than a pastime, hobby, or a fun activity. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. In fact, God passed the heritage of hunting down to us. This is what is stated in Genesis 27:3 “Now then, get your equipment-your quiver and bow-and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.”
I feel like the Lord tells us to pass down knowledge and guidance in Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they shall not turn from it.” My daughter and I have been hunting together before she could walk. We started her with a nerf gun and a suction cup bow and arrows when she was 2 years old, shooting at our front door and stuffed animals in the living room. She harvested her first turkey at the age of 6, and first deer at 7. While kids that young have a short attention span, I was able to keep her interested by using the iPad and headphones. She would watch movies downloaded on Netflix, while I watched for the game we pursued. Find something to keep them in the blind or stand, you are golden.
In the outdoors is where I feel close to God, it usually is not inside of a church. I feel like there is just a spiritual sense about the peace, the ability to admire Gods creation live as the day unfolds. With that, sometimes we decide that the moments in the stand or field are just too perfect to harvest the animal. Instead, we watch, admire, take photos and video. We make memories of our time as we feel closest to our Lord and Father. I pass this down to my daughter, even driving to school as the sun rises, we talk about how beautiful the skies are, and how blessed we are to have such a view.
I have taught my daughter the importance of prayer. While prayer is important all of the time, in hunting it is not any different. When we are fortunate enough to harvest an animal, we pray over that animal. We give thanks to the Lord for the blessing of the harvest, the sacrifice that was made by that particular animal so that our family has food. We share and treasure this tradition, as we are truly grateful for the healthy meals provided, the memories and experiences shared, and all lives that are sacrificed by the game we pursue.
Remember, we are blessed for every day that has been provided. Each trip afield, and each memory shared. Give praise and thanks for the blessings that we have been given. Hunt hard, hunt safe, and feel blessed for the opportunities provided by our Lord God.
Evan Gersper
Created Outdoors
