What it Meant | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: What it Meant | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rob Hill
02/06/07
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As a young boy growing up in a very small Texas town it was common to see a small sign on local business doors reading “Gone fishin’”. The first time I encountered the sign, I was with my dad as we were trying to get some lawnmower parts from a local mechanic. He read the sign in frustration, obviously upset about its meaning. Being confused as to why the sign had upset him, I asked what it meant.
He gruffly answered, “It means we can’t mow the lawn!”
Years later, as my dad prepared to retire from work, someone had gotten him one of those wooden humor thermometers with the various degree ranges attached to some activity. Right there between the sixty and seventy degree mark was that familiar phrase, “Gone fishin’”.
As his retirement grew near, I asked him one day what it meant.
He gruffly answered, “It means I don’t really have anything to do now!”
Years later, as my dad’s health dwindled away; I would sit beside his bed and read the Bible to him from time to time, praying he would understand before it was too late. On one particular evening we were in the book of Mathew, I read the passage where Jesus stated “Come follow me, I will make you fishers of men.”
Before I could continue, my dad interrupted me. “What was that you read?” he asked.
I repeated the passage, half excited about his interest, half afraid that he was fading farther away. I waited quietly, letting him dwell on the words.
Finally, after several minutes, he looked at me sorrowfully and asked what it meant.
I explained to him about Jesus and salvation; and that being a “fisher of men” meant to seek and tell the Gospel to all. To catch those who are wandering about lost, and bring them to Jesus for their eternal salvation.
While we spoke my cell phone rang. My dad quickly grabbed my arm before I could answer and very softly spoke, “Don’t answer it, tell ‘em you’ve gone fishin’”.
I don’t see those signs very often anymore, but when I do it reminds me of my dad and how we can sometimes miss the true meanings of life; especially when we allow our lives get in the way.
My dad understands now why I don’t have time to mow the lawn, or why I really don’t have anything to do. He knows I’ve “Gone fishin’”.

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