February 26, 2021 – Click here to listen
I’ve been watching the Netflix series Heartland and am envious of the family environment in which they exist. Family is everything and though they are beset with all of the problems facing the world they stick together and get through it. They are portrayed as being a sixth generation family living on a horse ranch near a small town not far from Calgary Alberta. It is a beautiful place and the little town is one of those places where everyone knows everyone and good old fashioned fun like rodeos and parades are the norm.
I was thinking what a great place to grow up and raise kids. I got a taste of that when I used to visit my best friend TK Wetherell who had a nice second home near Somerset Montana. On the 4th of July we would go into Big Fork and watch the parade. It was a blast and as you can see, we wore our patriotic flag shirts and cowboy hats, ate hot dogs, and mingled with the folks around town.
There were no protestors, antifa, BLM, just good friends and good times. TK is in heaven now and I wonder if he remembers the good times we had. I hope so.
Yesterday I went fishing with some good friends and we caught our limit of Blackfin Tuna (10) by 10:00 a.m. and spent the rest of the day fishing some wrecks and hooking up a few really big fish that got away.
I spent much of the day driving the boat for my buddies while they fished. One of them asked if I wanted to get on the rod and I replied that I was having a great time just spending time with my buddies. I told them I didn’t mind driving the boat while they fished at all.
I’ve caught enough fish to last at least three lifetimes but I missed out bigtime on spending time with friends and family for that matter. I did not have a single friend during my angry bitter youth. Then after Jesus rescued me, I pursued my career with reckless abandon working and traveling practically non-stop to earn enough to provide for my family and offer my testimony all over the country.
I feel I really missed out on some of the best things this life can offer while just being too busy to stop and smell the roses and develop those friendships that come only with much time spent together. Fortunately now I have plenty of time on my hands and I’m trying to refocus my energy on the good and wholesome things in life and great friends. The Keys is not Heartland but it is just as beautiful and most of the people down here are the salt of the earth. Spending time with good friends and having good times fits the ticket. You might want to consider this as you plan your day today.
I hope the Lord allows my wife and I to spend the rest of our days in this special place and then on to heaven. Man oh man it just doesn’t get any better than that! Thank You Jesus!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!