Recently, I participated in a men’s fishing retreat in Minnesota. I would love to share some reflections with you all.

     Hi, folks. How are you? I am doing well. I have just gotten home from, first, a fishing trip to Grand Rapids, MN. and secondly from a campout at Saylorville Lake, here in Iowa. It was a trip that, no matter how many times you go, can change a person. It was not just a bunch of hairy, smelly men, fishing day and night, (although those of you who know me, I did produce some rather malodorous emissions, so as not to disappoint ;0) ) it was much much more than just that. Relationships were made based on a commonality, that could only be discovered in such a venue as Wildwood Resort. We were 8 hours away from wives, and children, though, they were never far from our hearts and thoughts. Much “man food” was consumed. Maybe someday, I will write a wilderness (satirical) guide for “bachelor for a week" men. I went up there, thinking “maybe I will know a couple of the guys, and it will be a good get away.”  But, God had so much more in store than that.

    Day one: Travel day. Meet at the rendezvous at 0530, loaded and on the road by 0600. All went well, and we were on our way. After fuel stops, and a stop at Cabela’s we were on schedule to arrive at the resort (per: stinger*( (*some information will be omitted to protect the innocent)) no sooner than 1500hrs for check-in. Some people arrived before us, and were already fishing by the time we in the bus arrived. Not that big of a deal, but boat space is at a premium, so some were left “up the creek, without a paddle”…or even a boat in which TO paddle. So we unpacked as any self respecting man would. Put your suitcase in the corner or on the bed, grab your fishing gear, and get to fishin’. Ladies, don’t roll your eyes…we only unloaded the suitcases to get to the fishing gear. Fishing was just a precursor to Sunday morning. A time to get the lines wet, check the equipment out, be ready to hit the water bright and early Sunday morning. It was after this evening fishing, that it became much more than just a fish camp.

    A perfect campfire was produced, and we descended en masse, as a swarm of mosquitoes would, upon catching the scent of human flesh. The group settled in, and shared a good hearted ribbing of one another and appreciated the first of several incredibly picturesque sunsets. There was to be no question, throughout the week, that we were witnessing an intricately choreographed display of God’s grandeur. But the blessing came when my roommate delivered a heartfelt and well prepared devotion. Scripture was taken from II Peter, and was a challenge to strive for excellence. After a long day, and a quiet evening with the lord, it was time to retire to our lodge, and wind down from the day’s activities. We went to bed eagerly anticipating the dawn, and the stories and memories to be created.

     Day two dawned bright, sunny, and with robins chirping contentedly in the trees…okay, I stole that from Cinderella. The dawn was cold and foggy, but held so much more in store for us first timers. You see, I don’t think I have ever seen a bald eagle, as a guest in its natural habitat. Sure, I have seen them stuffed, or in shows where a trained eagle will land on a guy’s arm, but there is no comparison to eagles in the wild. I will never forget the sound of the eaglets as they cried their shrill cries, in search for mom and dad’s provision of fresh food. Then, I saw the parents. Breathtaking. I actually saw the shadows first. I had been casting my lure, and all had gotten quiet. Then, the sky seemed to almost darken briefly. I looked up to see the undercarriage of our national bird gliding majestically over our heads with it’s mate close behind. I am not sure if my mouth actually dropped open, but I would not be surprised if that was the case. I think it was at that moment that I realized that fishing was not the reason for the trip. It was clear, that God chose this time, and these men to fill my cup and prepare me for what he has in store for me.

      I could spend the rest of my time simply describing the weather, or give a fishing report, or even a play-by-play of the feeding habits of the eagles, but I won’t. For me, this trip was about becoming a man again. For various reasons, I really haven’t been able to do much outdoors over the last several years. Since I got my heart, I have been setting and meeting goals. For me, it is all about defining my new normal. More importantly though, what I WANT to be my new normal. The trip just gave me the time to pray, and focus. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t like a monastery, with somber silence, and singing in Latin. We had a great time. We laughed, sometimes cried, shared our grief, and our joy. We formed bonds and friendships that could last a lifetime. I learned a glaring truth.

     We as men, fathers, husbands, co-workers, or whatever role we play in each other’s lives, really need to learn to let our guard down. I came home with a new found love and respect for my wife and family, and how graciously they all endured the unnecessary hell I have put them through these last many months. We feel inclined to repress our emotions, so as not to burden our loved ones. If only I had been able to truly communicate to Mary and the girls, the times I was in pain, or in fear, or spiritually discouraged. We would not have had to wait for me to either live or die to get on with living. I let the illness be my identity, but, worse yet, it became their identity as well.

     So, what did I learn in Minnesota? I haven’t really analyzed it all yet, but I know that I have changed. For the better. I mentioned newly formed bonds and friendships. These helped me realize, that we all have to deal with tragedy and loss in our lives. It is how we choose to endure them, whether alone, or as a family, or group, that makes us who we are. Something that was said during one of our incredible devotional times, will help me grow for years to come. I will leave you to ponder this statement, and I sincerely thank brother Frank for sharing this well timed devotion. “God will never leave you helpless, homeless, or hopeless.”

    God bless you, and look for more posts to come.

                                                             Mark