This Sunday School class wanted to come eat fish.  More than that they wanted to come catch fish.  They brought joy to my heart.  Why?  Cause when I’m 96 I hope to still be fishin’!

Yep, one lady was 96.   Another was ninety-two.  Then a few in their 80’s, or really they would say 39 and holding.  But they all belong to the same Sunday School Class.  They also really belong to each other.  Today, they belong to me.  I’m going to make sure they have a good time at the cabin and lake.

It was a chilly day.  The wind was gonna be bothersome.  But hey, a day fishin’ is better than a day doing whatever, right?  The ladies, (and a couple of guys) got out of the van.  Greetings were exchanged.  They looked around the place, casually walked down to the lake, and then……

There were some chairs we had placed in the yard next to the lake.  The ladies spotted them and claimed each one of them.  It was obvious they were enjoying themselves on their outdoor adventure.  Honestly, they would have been thrilled just to sit there and enjoy nature and each other’s company.  But they came to fish, so then……..

One of the ladies grabbed a cane pole.  While all her friends were still sitting (and watching), she baits her hook and lowers the cork and bait into the water.  It wasn’t ten seconds before she’s hauling out a beautiful catfish.  And then,…….

Well, those ladies were after those fish like a pack of dogs on a 3-legged cat.  I mean they jumped out of the chairs, made a bee line for the fishin’ poles, and it was on then buddy.  It looked like a mad dash at the opening of Wal-Mart.  It looked like……

Have you ever been to a picnic with a bunch of Baptists?  When someone brings out the bucket of chicken, they jump on it.  That’s what these ladies did.  They jumped on going fishin’.  Chairs were knocked over (they didn’t even notice).  Poles got tangled up as they started this adventure.  But from the bottom of my heart, they made my day.

Excitement was in the air.  All were catching fish. They caught 60. I should know because Jodi and I cleaned them.  It was a good time all around.

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.  Psalm 71:9

The only casting these ladies did today was with the rod and reels.  The catfish were big, so the cane poles didn’t last long.  Ladies, you come back any time.  The joy you possess in your hearts is contagious.  Everyone there that day couldn’t be helped but be renewed in their own hearts with joy.  Especially me.  I was busy “helping others”, but in turn it gave me such a blessing of joy.  Thanks for comin’ Ladies Sunday School Class.

I’m working on that alligator hunt for ya’ll.  We’ll need to include your pastor!  He can be the bait!!

See Ya!!  Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher, part time fishin’ guide, full time experiencing God’s blessings