This is a simple message to friends who read my blogs, and others who may drop in now-and-then for a “look-see”.
Because of two full years of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the possibility of more on the horizon, and now Putin’s brutal War against Ukrainians – with nobody knowing where it will end or when – most of our thoughts could be drawn away from pastimes and focused more on current world and personal issues, including safety and future well-being that includes world economics and its effects closer to home. I think we all understand that those issues are much more ponderous than “my next hunt”.
< I was toting my .458 Win Mag – I’m dreaming of getting back soon to shooting and hunting!
Yet, we need to continue living, having certain attainable dreams and goals. Some of it will be simple daily chores, and others of a longer term that may include a next hunt, while never closing our eyes or hearts to others in desperate needy situations.
In our context, my wife and I are not housebound, and continue with a significant range of activities. I’m now officially retired as a pastor at the age of eighty-six. But that doesn’t mean cutting myself off from friends long associated with our ministry. Then a major part of our family is within an hour or so driving distance. We also have the Internet and phone service which keeps us in contact with family scattered as far as the East is from the West – literally – in Canada! And how could we neglect our most intimate friends – who are still living – made over the years since our marriage, soon to be sixty-five years ago this June.
Unless days are very distressing due to physical pain, or depressing due to emotional issues such as a dying partner or loved one, advanced years seem to pass more quickly than younger years. Every day, week, month and year seems to fly by! And that’s the experience of most seniors. It’s not that we are free from aches or pains, or even chronic illnesses, but there’s plenty to occupy our minds with “good stuff”, and our bodies with healthy activities!
All that was mentioned to simply encourage others to continue with or find activities that they might enjoy in a safe place outside the confines of home. I still have tentative plans for a bear hunt in May — God willing. In the meanwhile I can do some reloading at home, practice at the range and testing of bullets. And bird watching. Then I’d really like to get out the CELESTRON for a glimpse of the heavens in good weather now and again. Plus there are spring chores to be done inside and outside the house. Gardening will be less demanding as we’ll cut much of it out this year for sure.
Our hope and prayer is that life will get back to “normal” sooner than later for all concerned. If so or not so, God is still the same, “yesterday, today and forever”, and we are invited to call upon Him for help in all seasons and whatever needs or conditions that may prevail within or around us.
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.” (Psalm 118:vs8)
Shalom
BOB MITCHELL
Lovin' The Big Bang 