Originally posted 15 years ago. Still true today.
With summer activities in full swing, I thought it fitting to revisit this reflection. The reminder it offers feels as timely as ever: summer can easily become as congested and frustrating as Denver traffic. Resist the urge to simply push through. Discover moments to savor. Invest in relationships that matter. Don’t get swept into the vortex of activity that hijacks joy. I was just minutes from wrapping up a half-day on the North Platte River near Casper, Wyoming. By all accounts, it had been a good outing—despite failing to land “The Big One.” With our take-out point in sight, I saw my strike indicator disappear with authority. A quick, deliberate snap of my rod, and I had my fish. What followed was a test of strength and will—both mine and the fish’s. While I had caught other fish that day, it was clear that this was different. Even our guide gave me a knowing glance that confirmed what I already suspected: this was a special fish. With my fly rod arched to its limit, I brought the trout up toward the net. It was then I got my first full view of the shimmering Rainbow… and just as suddenly, the line went limp. Gone. Escaped. Only the mental snapshot remained. The big one. I lost the big one. But here’s what surprised me: I wasn’t disappointed. Instead, what washed over me were images from the whole float trip. Alli, my daughter, landing the first fish of the day with comical ease. Mary, my boat partner, asking the guide to hold her beautiful catch while I snapped the photo—her smile still fueling me. The river, the laughter, the joy wrapped in every moment… It all overwhelmed any sense of loss. Truthfully, I caught the big one the moment our boats touched the water. No missed catch could compete with the joy already banked in the experience. Yes indeed… I caught the Big One. |
“Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.” — Psalm 98:8 (ESV) |
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