You’ve been there. You can relate. Excitedly everyone began to shout advice: ‘pull up, reel down, don’t let him get away’! I wedged the end of the rod on my right hip and tried to follow their advice, my arm aching as I reeled. Would I have the strength to get ‘him’ into the boat? I wondered.
Then, there he was. A good sized King Fish jerking and jumping for all he’s worth. Down with the hook and he was hauled into the boat. First catch of the day, and I landed him. How exciting!
Jeremy took Macon and I deep sea fishing over the weekend. It was a great time with family, especially time spent with the grandkids. It wasn’t until the drive home that I began to feel the tightness in my lower back and pain down my left leg. Yeah that old sciatica problem seems to be flaring up, I thought. But the next day, I could hardly walk, the pain was excruciating.
It was Labor Day with all the Dr’s offices closed. So Macon took me to the nearest Urgent Care Clinic and after waiting 4 hours I was able to see the Dr. Sure enough an inflamed sciatica and lower back. With pain pills and anti-inflammatory medicine in hand I headed home. Next week I’ll have an MRI and start physical therapy.
Is there a moral to this story? What about a spiritual application? How about ‘it takes perseverance and pain to be a real fisherman’. Like fishing for men, right?
Well, maybe, But the real moral is that we are all getting older. We all get reminded of our frailties. And ‘stuff’ happens.
What lasts is the eternal. Thanks for your partnership in the eternal privilege of fishing for the lost of this world. And pray for us poor fishermen (or women) that we’ll be wise, stay healthy and keep doing the job.