Catch and Release
I love fishing. I have been oddly drawn to it since I was an adolescent. Some people enjoy being in the mountains, on a beach, or in the desert, but for me there’s something about being near a stream that brings peace.
The type of fishing I love the most is fly-fishing for trout. Since I don’t particularly like the taste of trout, I use the method called "catch and release." (Even if you have never fished before, I'm sure this method requires no further explanation.)
It struck me this morning that “catch and release” is also what we need to do with our possessions in life. It is when we catch and hold that we get into trouble.
When I look in the mirror, one flaw I continue to see in myself is that I hold on too tightly to the things I have. My home, my cars, my clothes, and my money all have to much importance and command too much of my time and attention.
Today, I want to offer a suggestion that could be a huge blessing for you: make this holiday season the most generous and giving of your life.
Find a charity, a friend, a church, or a stranger, and help them. Let go of something you cherish and give it to someone less fortunate than you. For many of you this will be money, and for others this could mean your time.
Then, don’t make a big deal out of it. Simply do it from your heart.
Wherever you are there is a food bank, homeless shelter or soup kitchen that is working hard to help others in this economy. Now, it is quite likely you have caught some incredible fish in your life. Even if you feel that you are struggling right now, if you are reading this simple blog, I tell you that you are blessed - and that you can bless others by what you have caught.
This is a rough season for many people. By using the “catch and release” method in life, you will paradoxically receive even more.
You will not find the power of this lesson in any economics class. In fact, most of those classes teach the contrary. But I promise you that when you loosen your grip and release some of what you have, you will be amazed at what comes back to you.
Wouldn’t it be great to be a master “catch and releaser?”
Have a blessed season.
Coach Steve
Today, I want to offer a suggestion that could be a huge blessing for you: make this holiday season the most generous and giving of your life.
Find a charity, a friend, a church, or a stranger, and help them. Let go of something you cherish and give it to someone less fortunate than you. For many of you this will be money, and for others this could mean your time.
Then, don’t make a big deal out of it. Simply do it from your heart.
Wherever you are there is a food bank, homeless shelter or soup kitchen that is working hard to help others in this economy. Now, it is quite likely you have caught some incredible fish in your life. Even if you feel that you are struggling right now, if you are reading this simple blog, I tell you that you are blessed - and that you can bless others by what you have caught.
This is a rough season for many people. By using the “catch and release” method in life, you will paradoxically receive even more.
You will not find the power of this lesson in any economics class. In fact, most of those classes teach the contrary. But I promise you that when you loosen your grip and release some of what you have, you will be amazed at what comes back to you.
Wouldn’t it be great to be a master “catch and releaser?”
Have a blessed season.
Coach Steve
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