Tag Archives: a step onward and upward

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Lessons from a Fly-Fishing Master

Meet Jim Kilburn, a master at the art of fly-fishing. God put this man in my path, literally. Driving down a Colorado gravel road, there is a man and a lady walking in my direction. I slow down my truck (probably speeding) and recognize who this couple is. It’s Jim, the fishing Guru and his wife June, right there in front of me.

I’ve heard about Jim. Several people in Westcliffe, Colorado, had told me about this man whose fishing knowledge was unsurpassed. This guy knows how to fish.

See, Jim is a master at fly-fishing. He has fished with guys that have written books about fly-fishing. Jim himself could write his own books, but I think he spent all his time fishing rather than writing about it. I must reach out to this gentleman.

What goes on inside my brain, I can’t explain. (Neither can my wife, Staci.) But in super important times for me, like the one happening now, my brain locks up. My hands are vise-gripping the steering wheel, my heart adds several beats, and my mouth suddenly goes dry.

When interacting with other humans, people use and expect a certain protocol. Start a friendly conversation with a warm hello. Share a bit of small talk with one another. Not me, not today.

The truck rolls to a stop next to Jim and his wife. Seeing this legend of a fly-fisherman before me, I hurriedly roll down the window. My conversation begins with, “Hey there, sir, can you teach me to fly fish?”

No protocol, no warm greeting, just a request from me asking a favor. Now I’m arguing with my own brain about the mishap in communications that I’ve just made.

I’m preparing to hear him say anything. Anything like, “Well, someday”, or “you’ll have to get back with me”. I’m even prepared to hear Jim say, “No, I don’t have time to teach someone like you.” But he says, “Sure, be glad to. I can go in the morning”. Now I’m nervous. The Master will instruct me in fishing techniques. The next morning, we arrived at a secluded mountain lake. Sage growing in the nearby field gives the morning crisp air a fresh scent. Does he teach me how to fish? Well…………. first he taught me some knot tying. I’ve tied knots all my life, but Jim had several knots he says are the best…. and they were. Despite my clumsiness, I felt the Master’s patience while he showed me, many times, how to tie knots. We tied flies to the leaders, which led to tying leaders to the fly line itself.

Does he show me how to fish? Well, now we study the “bugs” found beneath the submerged rocks. He shows me nymphs, and well, I don’t know the names of all the “bugs and worms and critters” that he is showing me. While their names elude me, I now know their appearance. My fly selection matches the lake’s natural inhabitants, and these will serve as bait. I’m fixing to catch fish!

But first… Jim shows me how to cast a fly rod. I’m in heaven! Jim is in his glory! I’m witnessing a man using his fishing rod as if directing a symphony. The rhythm of his cast, coupled with his smile, and line curving behind him, then powering forward to its target. I’m caught staring in amazement. Then Jim says, “Here, use my rod, now you try it”. Uh oh, uuhhhh, now it’s my time to mess things up.

I’m whipping the rod, popping the line, but hey, I’m casting. Jim, who understands and has a teaching heart, patiently guides me. It’s becoming obvious to me now that Jim has a love for fly-fishing. So much love that he will give of his time to be with me on this fishing adventure.

He has been standing far away, (so that he won’t get hit by the barbed hook while I’m casting), (or should I say whippin’, flapping’, jerkin’, popping his fly rod). He walks over and says the most unusual thing. “Listen to the rod. Hear the whoosh the line makes as it’s being cast.”

Well, knock me down with a feather (or an 8ft 6weight fly rod). I hear it! By hearing the “whoosh” sound, I’m able to get the “rhythm” of the cast. It’s almost magical the difference this has made for me. The transition from mechanical action to sensing the joy of watching the fly touch the water. In these brief moments I’m no longer a man holding a fishing pole. I’m a fly-fisherman showing confidence with each cast of the fly. I’m ready to catch fish. Bring it on! But wait…

Has Jim taught me how to fish as I asked of him? He instructed me on knot tying, insect identification, casting, water reading, wading, and fish stalking. Now he’s teaching me how to fight! This day had started with a terrible, hard-blowing wind. I expected the master to call off today’s fishing adventure because of the hard wind. Instead, he shows me how to fight… yes, to fight the wind. Wind may ruin a lot of fishing days for some folks, but not Jim. And now, not me. I’ve learned techniques to battle this foe.

Enjoying having learned so much more about fly-fishing has rewired my brain so that it’s now functioning on four of the six cylinders available. (That 5th or 6th cylinder is a rare occasion for me.)

On our spiritual journey, just like this fishing adventure, we must come to where we ask the Master for help. What we sometimes don’t realize is that our Master is helping us live this Christian walk. But it’s the small things that make the journey. God’s time with each of us is priceless.

Did Jim teach me how to fish? Has my Heavenly Father instructed me in Christian living?

I think in both instances the realization came to me. It wasn’t my learning that was important, but the spending of time with the Master…… Jim in my fishing adventure, and God in my Christian journey.

I’m sure that I should write more concerning this subject. But I’ve got fish to catch…… and a Christian journey waiting to be explored. Good luck. And fight that wind!!!!!

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher, apprentice fly-fisherman, apprentice Christian

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Carved Trees and Lasting Legacies

While bushwhacking in the Colorado wilderness, I discovered this carved tree. This aspen tree shows evidence of Mr. Monte’s presence. There were no roads or trails in the vicinity. My search for a quicker route to a fish-filled mountain lake resulted in this discovery. It makes me curious to think about how many people have walked this same spot. Maybe just old Chas and me. I’m willing to wager he was riding a horse. What motivated him to write this message? Was he starting an adventure? Might those have been his last days on Earth? We can only guess why Mr. Montes stopped 75 years ago, but I’m thankful he did. It prompted reflection on my lasting impact. How will people remember us? Ever thought about it?

Well, think about this. The legacy you leave can be the life that you lead. That’s a pretty neat saying! Some leave a legacy for others to remember them by as a building, a sizeable chunk of money, or a monument. Chas Monte left a message on a tree. 

We have the power to build a lasting legacy. I advise against carving messages into trees. So, how is that done? You define your legacy by how you live your life. Guiding your life is much like leading a horse.

Whoa! (Grab a cup of coffee as I explain). Have you ever considered the idea of your life being like your own horse? Consider this: you’re in charge of both your life and your horse. You lead your horse to water, down the path, over the river and through the woods. I think you get the idea. You also have your own life to lead, don’t you? Your life is in your own hands. Your actions, destinations, timing. You determine your life’s path.

Yes, we sometimes feel out of control. A scared or disobedient horse causes the same ‘out of control’ experience. Life can feel the same way. We sometimes get spooked. Sometimes we act against our better judgment. We don’t practice what we preach. Your frightened horse will go off the path. My horse and my life share a tendency to stray. I’m still trying to guide my life. Life’s journey is a struggle; things aren’t always falling into place.

Your life reflects your choices and actions. Your life follows your lead. You lead and guide with your heart and soul. That’s the best I can explain it. You have chosen your horse. Saddle up, take the reins of your life, and trust and pray as you continue on your Christian journey.

The righteous will stand firm. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112: 6,7.

We have the privilege of making our own decisions. I determine the path my life takes. I lead and guide according to my beliefs, following my Lord and Saviour with all my heart. My life and legacy will reflect how I follow God’s lead and guidance.

You can pass your legacy, the life you lead, on to others. Not that you go around bragging, tootin’ your own horn. Your life draws attention. They see your trust in the Lord. They feel your heart. You’ve taken the reins of your life. While you lead your own life, it’s good to follow God’s lead and direction.

Lead as you are being led. Follow Him!

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher “learning to follow as I’m being led”

Leave a comment, or send me a private message describing your legacy.

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Snakebite! Conquering Fear With Faith!

Looking back, I remember hearing that slithering noise that a snake makes as he’s moving through the leaves. I even remember asking myself,….. is that a snake moving underneath the limbs I’ve just picked up to move?

There is barely enough light to see as the sun has set for the day. The sun may be through doing its job, but I’ve got just a little more to do. I’m cleaning brush and fallen limbs from around the lake. A few more handfuls carried to the trash trailer and I’ll call it a day.

     Five minutes later, I’m sitting on the bench at the front door of the house removing my hiking boots. Staci insists I remove whatever footwear I’m wearing before I can enter HER house. After forty-two years of marriage, she has me trained fairly well. I usually remove my shoes/boots before entering her humble abode. (The only time in my mind it’s permissible to leave my shoes on, is when she is away and I’m only coming in to drink milk, water, or Sprite straight out of the container……no glass needed.)

     So, as I was saying, I’m removing my hiking boots. I feel a pain, more of a sharp tingle. Allow me to compare it to this. Not so much as a bee sting, but more like three or four fire ants biting at once. But I’m definitely thinking, something has bitten me.

That’s when I see it. The undeniable fang marks of a snakebite. Well, this isn’t good. What to do now? Google snakebites to see how long I have to live? Show Staci so I can get sympathy and “babied”? All that will come later. Right now, I’m going to monitor this injury to see just what, if anything, is going to happen.  

       A doctor friend of mine (who is a specialist in snakebite treatments) once told me that when snakes strike, they do not inject venom in up to thirty percent of all strikes. Another thirty percent of snakebites may not have a full dose of the venom. (Somewhere between ‘boy that’s gonna hurt’, to ‘well maybe we won’t have to amputate.) What?

        I’m thinking that I must be playing the odds in my situation. I did not see the snake strike me. There is definitely a fang mark on the back of my ankle. I feel a slight pain that is honestly hard to describe. So, I wait. Two hours later, after wasting time googling snake bites and trying to get sympathy from Staci, I make the prognosis that everything’s going to be OK. I definitely got bit, but no venom to amount to anything! Woohoo!!!

       In all honesty, if I had seen the snake strike me, I would have first screamed like a girl! Next, I’m sure that I would have overreacted and called four different people to see who could get me to the ER the fastest. Hyperventilation would have set in along with stomach issues. (I had just eaten about half a watermelon). Let’s just say I would have not been an easy patient to deal with.

        But,……. everything was OK. In fact, it turned into a Thank You Lord moment! I mean, I got lucky right? Could be that when we pray for protection and provisions, our Heavenly Father says, “I gotcha on that!”

       Now the burning question…… for me anyway.  Do I go back out to the pond and continue to clean up trash and limbs? Hmmm…. I have to answer with a yes! I can’t live in fear! Sure, I’m going to be more cautious. For a while, I may be overly cautious. Shake that stick before I pick it up. Poke a stick or rake in the leaves before stepping into it. 

        How would it be to live a life full of fear? That’s not the life you or I want. Neither does God want this for you!

       2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

       In the spiritual journey we take, there are many “snakes” out there that can cause us harm. We have the power, the love, and a sound mind given to us by God through his son Jesus. That power is much stronger than the fear.

     I have a hunting buddy who will not walk through tall grass. Why? Because he’s afraid of snakes! Even when I tell him to follow in my tracks, he won’t do it. (Says I’ll just stir ’em up then they’ll bite him.)

So how can I, the wilderness preacher, tell you not to fear? (especially when you know I scream like a thirteen-year-old girl when I’m scared). FOCUS. Focus on the power, not the fear. The churchy way of saying it is like this. Faith is the opposite of fear. So fear is the opposite of faith.  

  This Christian journey is a growing time. A time to grow your faith. The fear will always be there, to some extent. But when it paralyzes us (like my hunting buddy who won’t walk in the grass), faith has no way to grow.

Take one step at a time. Step out into the grassy world of snakes, (spiritually). Use the sound mind given to you to help with your decision making. Realize you have a power, also given to you by God, to help overcome the fears, and take the right directions. Last but definitely not least…….you have the gift of love.

This gift of love is eternal. Nothing, no one, no circumstance, no evil, nothing even mistakes of your own doing can rob you of this love. Say aloud the previous sentence. Hmmm, it’s already helping with the fears you are facing, isn’t it?

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth Wilderness Preacher