For the disciples fishing seemed like
a worthy escape. But, their fishing expedition was not going well. They hadn’t
caught anything. Jesus realized their frustration and he said to them, “cast
your net on the other side of the boat.” They did and the result was huge. They
had responded and in the process they caught 153 fish, an overwhelming catch.
I believe that when
Jesus told the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat he
was challenging them to break away from what they knew and try something
different. Following Jesus means venturing into unchartered waters, going where
we’ve never been. It means expanding our horizons, or developing new
relationships. It means leaving our traditional, formal ways and being
spontaneous.
One evening a father was stressed out
and his son sensed his frustration. This young man invited his father to go for
a ride in their paddleboat so he could watch his son fish. The son had taken an
interest in fishing and had accumulated an impressive amount of tackle.
Reluctantly his dad went along, thinking all along of everything he needed to do.
They paddled out
into the middle of the lake and the young man made a long, smooth cast, near
the place where a fish had jumped. His dad noticed a blue heron, standing on a
log by the shore. One leg was pulled up under his body. He pointed him out to his
son. The bird sensed he had been detected and flew away. “He likes that log
over there,” the son said. “He’ll be back. Do you hear the crickets?” His
father was suddenly aware that they were surrounded by crickets. This
frustrated man realized that he had not been listening to such sounds since he
was so obsessed with work. Being in a more sensitive state he heard bullfrogs
and a far-away dove. He heard fish splashing. His son began casting and the
father could hear the sound of the slow squeak as his son reeled in his line. “I
like this time of day,” the father said. Now he had forgotten all about his
things-to-do list. He son said, “Just wait, in a little while the trees and the
sunset will reflect off the water. It is so beautiful.” “I will wait,” said his
father. Then he thought about what he would have missed if he hadn’t joined his
son on the lake. He watched his son, who had learned to find his way and at the
same time he was helping his father to find his.
Sometimes God may lead us to places
we’ve never been, new destinations that don’t seem rational. Our willingness to
make changes and try something new can result in meaningful experiences.
In the past Jesus
had always said, “Have you no faith?” But after the resurrection he might be
saying: “Aren’t you willing to take any risks?” This time he gives them
encouragement and doesn’t question their lack of faith.
Lord,
I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who need a break from the chaos and need to
“go fishing” or do something to get their minds out of the doldrums. Let them
take a walk, go fishing and simply listen to your voice in the breeze that says
“you are going to be alright” follow me and you will find your peace of mind
and soul.
