“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…” (Deuteronomy 11:19 NIV)

“Let the let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” (Psalm 107:2 NIV)

A few days ago, I got a text from our son Nicholas. The first text said, “Do you guys want to go fishing with me today?” I explained to him Dad couldn’t and fully expected that the prospect of taking a GIRL, especially an old GIRL, would bring these plans to a screeching halt. But I got “Pick you up in a little while, wear old shoes.” As I hunted for my old shoes, I thought about those times I took him and his brother Garrick fishing when they were just little guys. I remember packing PB sandwiches and heading out for the bait shop. Usually, they were more interested in the minnows in the big tank and the fancy lures in the showcase window than some wiggly old worms. I fretted over them when they got too close to the water, and it seemed I spent a good bit of time putting worms and minnows on the hook as well as replacing hooks that got tangled in the brush. Often, I would tell them where to throw in because I had seen a lot of jumping fish in that area, or I had been getting bites there. All in all, it was worth the trouble to see their faces as they pulled a fish out of the water, usually flinging it so far we had to look for it in the brush. I would applaud and brag on their catch. What did I do with my old fishing shoes?

As promised, my “fishin’ buddy” was there in a little while and we were off. This time it was he who grabbed the bait and put it in the back of his pickup with all the other gear. When we got to the little lake, we had to park far from where we were fishing, so this strong twenty-five-year-old tried to carry everything. He hung a chair over one shoulder, grabbed buckets, our poles, and only after I begged would he let me carry the tackle box. His reasoning was that the hill was steep, and he was afraid I would lose my balance. “Hmmm, you would think I was old and feeble,” I grumbled to myself. I soon found out why the caution as I made my way down the steep bank to our fishing place. I too could imagine the worse! Did you ever see an old lady run down a hill, TOTALLY, UNINTENTIONALLY? “Be careful,” he warned. “Don’t get too close to the water, it is slippery down here!”. Hmmm, where had I heard that before? “Oh, and watch where you step. There are snakes around here!” he cautioned as he unfolded my comfy chair. The sun was scorching that day, but there was a wonderful breeze that kept us cool. We talked the hours away, mostly me telling “fish tales” along with the Anchor that has sustained me throughout these years. He was as excited as I was when I caught my first fish, albeit tiny. And guess what? I flung it so hard I had to go look for it in the bush behind me. We both laughed. I applauded him when he caught a nice sized catfish. Not wanting to let the day end, I tried to hide the fact that I was getting tired. “Whenever you are ready to go, we can go,” he asked. “I’m fine,” I would assure him. But after a long time with no bites, we grabbed our stuff and headed out. I was red, I was tired, and my hands were dirty from baiting my hook, but I was happy! We got a bite to eat (after I washed my hands!) and he took me home.

As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the circle that I had just been a part of that day. I thought of how it seemed urgent with me to share my “fish tales” to this wonderful young man. Many times, in the bible we read about passing our heritage to the next generation. As we shared “fish tales”, I hope I passed on to Nicholas my love and God’s love for him. The desire of my heart is to leave footprints for those who come after me. Even though my old fishing shoes are pretty big and leave a big print, I hope all who come after may see!

“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those who come.” (Psalm 71:18 ESV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we read in the Bible to talk often about the Lord to your children. Give us strength and wisdom to do this. The only way the next generation will know who You are is for us to tell them. Amen

Jeanie Nihisir
Author, Prayer Warrior, Answers2Prayer Ministries