Finding Contentment

I live a life of envy. I know this isn’t biblically correct but if I am being honest it’s the truth.  I continue to search for the one thing everyone seeks but very few find.  This search I’m on is for contentment, and the individual that I’m envious of is the Apostle Paul.  I read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians and I am moved by its simplicity and yet the remarkable truth in his words.

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4

I used to think his message on contentment was instructing us to essentially settle for our position in life and be grateful for the blessings that we have been given.  I now realize his profound words are more about finding peace in your life. 

I am a man that thrives on security.  When you are a husband and father it’s not only prudent; it’s expected, to secure your home for your family but it does not stop with protecting your family from the bad guys.  I am also in constant worry about job security and financial security for it’s the latter two items that allow my family to enjoy the life we currently live. 

What I now realize is that Paul’s letter isn’t about settling, it’s about letting go of your fear.  It’s about coming to the realization that you are not in control.  His letter is about letting go….and letting God.  I must admit that I am not there yet.  My demand for order and control in my life is about fear and mistrust.   My inability to stop my worries and fears speaks volumes about my heart.  Proverbs 3:5-6 offers a clear view of an individual given over to God.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”  This is a very clear passage and one that Paul must have reflected on a great deal; one that perhaps I should reflect on a little more often.

One encounter with our Lord on the road to Damascus and his life charted a new course.  Prior to his conversion Paul was already well versed in the Old Testament, but after his conversion and the events that followed in his life he must have taken comfort in Jeremiah’s words “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

I pray that as the Lord deals with me on this issue I will learn to find contentment.  I pray I can seize the opportunities the Lord provides without fear and each day turn over more of my life to the one that offers life.  Whether the Lord grants me a life of luxury or poverty my contentment rest on the fact that either way it’s a life in Him and that is all I need.

In Christ,

Brian

Abrams Creek Fishing

I began fly fishing in the middle of the summer of 2010.  I enjoyed hiking and fishing the Smokies most of last summer with little or no luck.  I never realized how difficult fly fishing can be.  The local fly shop told me I was learning to fly fish in one of the most difficult areas of the country to fish and it only took a few trips for me to believe them.  What a difference a year makes.  Last weekend my friend Garret and I hiked up to Abrams Falls from the Cades Cove entrance and fished the little horse shoe.  Garret is the individual I blame for getting me involved in fly fishing and he has been like my own personal Obi Wan Kenobi, trying to teach me the ways of the Jedi.  It was my first hike to Abrams Falls and it was not a disappointment.  We hiked the 2.5 miles up to the falls and started our day just above the falls.  I was the first to get my wading gear on, so I decided to get my line wet while I waited on Garret.  I knew it would be a productive day when I landed a nice little rainbow with my second cast.  We could have left at that moment and the hike would have been well worth the effort, but the day was young and we had lots more fishing to do.
  The scenery was as beautiful as any stretch of water I have every walked.  It's ironic to me that part of the beauty is in the rugged nature of the area.  Much of Abrams Creek is surrounded by steep mountains because the river flows through a gorge.  The most difficult part of fishing Abrams is without a doubt the rocks.  This stretch of water runs through the limestone in Cades Cove and the water is rich with life.  This makes for larger trout and slippery rocks.  These rocks are the most slippery rocks I have ever walked on.  To make matter worse, my right boot had a blow out a quarter of the way into fishing.  A new pair of boots could very well make the father's day list.
We fished various yellows including yellow sallies and caught several fish each.  I think I caught five trout and missed a few more.  This was my most productive day of fishing since I started fly fishing.  I read often of 15 trout days, perhaps this is normal for many of the most experienced fishermen, but for me five trout is a grand slam. 
I enjoy Tennessee football, Disney trip with the family, and hunting but there is something about being surrounded by God's creation that makes me feel alive.  There are little moments that stay with you; sometimes it's a hawk flying overhead, sometimes the crawdad you see on the rock, or the perfect cast that lands a fish.  The world around you is still spinning but these little moments belong to you, the river, and if you’re lucky; a good fishing buddy.

I have found in my 36 years something that seems to be common to every man and every woman. One's life must have structure.  My life is structured around my Lord and Savior, my family, my work, and finally the "other" portion which seems essentially a collection of the interest not associated with the first three.   The intent of this blog is to offer my perspective on this crazy thing called life with hopes of documenting the ups and downs that come along with middle class living, raising a family, and finding time for my own little adventures. I plan to write about family and friends as well as the adventures I have camping, hunting, and fishing. You can expect some reflective thoughts and perspective on the Grace of God as well. 

 

In Christ,

 

Brian