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“A Lesson on

Fishing and Life" Part 2

Blacky, my grandfather and I were shrimping together. My older cousin laughed when he heard: “So, you’re the new victim,” he said. “You’ll be sorry!” Yet, everything started wonderfully as I helped toss out the nets and guided the boat. The work was hard but seeing all those shrimp and working beside my grandpa, the greatest fisherman in the world, made it all worthwhile. Then Blacky promptly fell asleep… not just a polite snooze but a symphony filled with snores and wheezes to wake the dead but there was no waking him. Now what? I was in deep water and deep trouble with help miles away.

A similar situation happened to the disciples as they traveled with Jesus: “One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and started out. On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.” (Luke 8:22-23)

Like the disciples, I was in danger, afraid. My guide and expert wouldn’t wake up. I didn’t know if he was sick or just very lazy but either way I needed help from another source.

“The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’” (24)

After a moment of panic, I realized something had to change. “Stop and think!” I said. Then, I remembered how grandpa already showed me what to do but I needed to mentally retrace his lessons. First, take in the nets so I leaned over the side and grabbed the ropes and… “Whoa, these nets are heavy!” I thought. Slowly, inch by inch, I began hauling in the heavy nets while placing them on the deck. It wasn’t long before I was rewarded with the sight of shrimp… hundreds of shrimp.

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Fear turned to wonder as the hold was filled to the brim. I looked over at Grandpa with newfound pride but I could tell by the loud noise coming out of his mouth, he was still fast asleep. My fear returned.

“So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! Then he asked them, ‘Where is your faith?’” (25)

“Stay close to the buoys,” Grandpa said to me, earlier that morning. “They will guide you safely home.”

With a silent prayer I turned the boat toward what I hoped would be where we had come before. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before I saw a familiar blue buoy ahead. Soon, I saw the comforting vision of the shoreline in the distance. As the boat glided steadily through the water toward home, I felt a surge of pride. As I glanced at Grandpa, he was no longer snoring but there was a trace of a smile on his face. Blacky never admitted it but others later told me: “It was his way of testing me and I passed.”

“And the disciples were filled with awe and amazement.” (25)

Occasionally, you may find yourself in deep trouble with help seemingly miles away. You cry out in pain but everyone seems to be asleep. No one answers, at least not right away and not with the response you’re looking for. Now what? You can panic or you can abandon ship or you can:

Stop, think and mentally retrace lessons already learned.
Grab hold of the nets with all your strength and pull.
Don’t stop pulling, don’t give up and don’t lose faith.
Say a prayer and turn the boat where you hope will be the right direction.
Continue looking for the buoys and they will guide you safely home.

Jesus was disappointed in the disciples for allowing a thunderstorm to scare them without trusting in the authority of Who was already in the boat. The disciples also were being tested but unfortunately came up short this time. “Where is your faith?” asked Jesus. Later, they would learn their lesson well.

Blacky is in heaven now but while writing this story I found new appreciation for the creative way he loved and nurtured me. Through his experience, I discovered valuable lessons. Because of his sleepy test, I found newfound strength and with his loving encouragement, I found courage. Thanks Grandpa.

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Last modified September 27, 2004.

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