Invest In Relationships
Fall began in Montana's Little Belt Mountains chasing elk. While I loved the hunting, I felt guilty that I wasn't working. My delayed entry into the army was still several months away. I rented an empty farm house from a rancher friend. I caught Brook trout and shot ducks, pheasants and deer on the creek behind the house and caught a five pound rainbow trout in the pond out front.
The highlight of my fall was when my dad (John) and his lifelong hunting partner, Roger Stevens, drove to Montana to spend a week hunting with me. I wish I would have had a camera that first morning as they headed down to the creek bottom wearing waders. Each had a fly rod in one hand, a shotgun in the other, and a rifle on sling. That week was filled with shooting ducks, pheasant, grouse and deer. Every day and all day, both men kept saying, "I've never seen hunting this good."
Sharing this time with my dad is one of my lifelong best memories. They had initially only planned to stay for 3 days. Twice he called my mom in Minnesota and said, "We need to stay a couple more days." The third time he called to extend the trip she replied, "If you're not home by Monday, I'm buying new carpet." He hung up the phone and said, "Rog, we gotta go."
This was my third fall of amazing pheasant and grouse hunting, but it was more special than the others because I got to share it with someone I loved. Friends, invest in the people God has given you. They are a gift. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it costs money. But relationships are the fabric of a rich life. So look at your calendar today, this week and this year. PLAN to spend time enjoying life with others. INVEST in relationships, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on July 24, 2025
Posted in Daily Devotions