Reeling in Moments that Bring Joy at Robyn’s Nest of Hope

The weather has been cooler in the evenings and fishing seems like the perfect pastime. We have tried fishing before, but frustration occurred when fish could not be caught. Prior to going to fish this week, we talked about how sometimes you catch some and other times it is about being in the quiet while thinking of a new strategy to use. It’s also a life lesson to about waiting on timing and learning perseverance.

I haven’t been an avid fisher. My first recollection of fishing was at the park as a child. The park wasn’t far from home and we would go and sit on the bank waiting patiently for a bite. My Mickey Mouse pole and Snoopy tackle box from long ago are in our garage next to the boys fishing items. After all these years, I look at my fishing gear and it takes me back to fishing as a child. At that time, fishing was not fun as I wanted to catch fish at that moment. As I have grown older, there really is something about waiting for the bobber to go down and reeling in your fish.

On our way to fish this week, we went to the bait shop. The boys get excited to walk into the back section and see the worms, crickets, and minnows. At our first fishing spot, there was no luck. We had lines tangled on the bank, worms that came off the hook, and no nibbles to reel in. The second fishing spot, we were taking fish off the hooks repeatedly. The kids’ excitement was pure joy. Hearing the words, “I did it!” brought happiness. In life, we have those joyous moments and at other times we experience the tangles and difficulties.

Some fish were small and some were colorful. Sparkly scales were on some while others had more of a solid color. Sometimes we have those sparkly moments in our life where things are going great. At other times, we have more solid or neutral moments in the daily routine of life.

Sitting alongside the lake brings peace. As we were fishing, the fountain sprayed water like a mist over us and a momma duck and her babies swimming by. It’s important for us to retreat and reel in things or experiences to bring us joy and peace. Coffee, friends, family, humor, a good tv show, sitting in the tranquility of nature and creating are some of the ways I reel in moments to find joy and peace. What are your hobbies or ways to connect with peace?