Yesterday, Barbara and I had the incredible honor and privilege of firing the starting gun to open the 2023 trout season at Roaring River State Park. It was truly humbling. Our connection to the park is Joel Topham. The story about meeting him is truly amazing as well. While we were there, we got to visit with several of our previous guests from Charlie 22 Outdoors events. And there were a few state dignitaries there as well. Lieutenant Governor Kehoe was one of them. He even presented us with one of his challenge coins. As I stated, the day was an honor and humbling at the same time.
I spent some time on the water with a line in it. Didn’t catch anything though. A little while later, Barbara and I took a walk through the park by the hatchery. And then back alongside the river towards the lodge. And I kept watching the water. There’s something about it. Something about a body of water that is soothing. Peaceful. Therapeutic. The river down there is no exception. As you watch it flow, you can also hear it going over the rocks. There’s just something about the peace that person can feel in a place like that. Which is why we take veterans there. We are blessed to host events down there each year. We will have our ninth one there this October. And we are looking forward to it already.
Let’s get back to the topic of peace. Because, isn’t that what we are all searching for! Aren’t we all looking for peace in our lives? I think so. Let me correct myself: I believe so. And I also believe that the peace that we are searching for can only come from Jesus. We can find peace and tranquility along river banks. We can find them in deer and turkey blinds. We can find them while driving on back roads through the country. But…we can only find true peace in our hearts through Jesus. He provides that. He willingly provides that. I often say, “Sometimes we don’t know what we need until we get what we need.“ And that’s the truth with Jesus. Many people are searching. Looking for something that will only come from Jesus. That’s how I was. I was searching years ago. I didn’t know I needed him until I found him. So maybe today is the day for you to find him. To bring him into your heart. Maybe today is the day to receive the peace that only comes from Jesus. He will give it to you. Because he loves you. He always has. He always will.
