Dad used to say to me when I was quite young, “Lean into your work son”. 6 AM morning chores on the farm before school. I wasn’t even awake. I have a lifetime of leaning. What and who we lean on becomes apparent and important.
My wife gave me a card 8 years ago that said “Good for one day of fishing with me”. I might have treated it a bit like a gift card where you can buy several things at various times whenever the case of whims come. She seemed to be OK with that, after all, We raised a family on adventure and faith.
I’m not sure how many gazillion factors enter into having a wonderful life. We can live vivaciously, map out adventures and do all the things paperbound experts recommend; but it may not translate into having a great life. If love were currency we would be rich.
She doesn’t love fishing. She loves me. I don’t think for a minute she was won over by my looks or charm over the last 44+ years . Love was a decision on her part. An equal decision on mine as well. Together we have leaned into life, leaned into each other and leaned into following Jesus.
Jobs and money: We are not lucky. We have been downsized, outsourced, eliminated, laid off, and flooded out of town. Our middle daughter was born with Spina Bifida. 35 surgeries, life flighted, several times coin flipping on live or die in E.R. We care for her 24/7 these days. Love is a decision with action and follow through. Lean into life. Lean into loving God and each other. Take pictures in the rain, fog and when the sun shines.
Above all, no matter what life has thrown at you. Cut out time for adventure. Choose to love and stay on the road no matter how slippery the conditions get in tough times. I have a picture of that road…You might relate, especially if you have bald tires, a loose steering wheel and two wheel drive. “Jesus Take The Wheel”
I still remember mom leaning into me, put her frail arms loosely around me and in my ear I heard what would become her last words to me “Hows my boy?” At her funeral we sang her favorite song “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”. Mom had learned to lean well.
Leaning Proverb: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Lean well my friend!
Gary
garyfultz 
Gary I’m going to see if there is enough interest in our area for a one day men’s fishing day. I would like to target the first Saturday of June for the reason it is free fishing weekend. I’m thinking I would like to have a guest speaker come in and give two short messages or testimonies. You are the first one who comes to mind. Following your blog I see you have a good insight of men’s issues and you are a great outdoorsmen. Let me know if you would consider this.
Thanks , Marty
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Thanks Marty, we will talk
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This is a terrific testimony to Jesus, but also to you, Gary. Many, many blessings!
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Thanks G.W. It’s been a theme in my life
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Reblogged this on Gods Ways are…Different and commented:
Reblogged from my Outdoors Blog
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We would be good friends… Love this…
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I am quite sure of it, thanks kevin
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This is absolutely precious, heartwarming, and inspiring. Jesus’ light is shining brightly through you!
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Thanks Jennifer, that is a great encouragement and kind words. Heartwarming is a good thing where we live as as it is currently close to -30 below zero. I suspect the Amazon jungle area is much warmer your way.
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Oh my goodness! I was not built for that kind of weather!! Yes, it’s nice and warm here 😊. And you are most welcome!
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What an excellent testimony of your faith. God bless you and your family. I know why you like my river posts. You have met there with God also haven’t you.
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Yes Double D, I have met God in the stillness and in the harshest of weather on the wilderness waters. kin we are.
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Beautiful advice, even more beautiful family!
Ron
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Thanks Ron! We love one another!!
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Just beautiful. ❤
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Thanks Anna. Wow you found a two year old blog. I am reminded how many things can happen in two years.
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