Our finite journey

May 20, 2012

A good brother in Saratoga Springs is known for giving memorable trinkets to people. He handed me one that said, “Work is for men who don’t know how to fish.” Not a particularly original thought, but it stirred up all kinds of thoughts in my mind. I never thought of fishing as something that had much to offer. I went fishing a couple of times with the scouts when I was a youngster and I actually got conned into going deep sea fishing with some friends while I was going to AC&R school in the Navy. Several of us scheduled a boat that took us off the coast of San Diego for a day. That is probably where I got my dislike of fish and fishing. Although I had been on the USS Hornet CVS 12 for over three years by then, I still got just plain old sea sick and stayed that way until we returned to shore. Oh, yea!! You can just imagine there was lots of teasing over that one.

We know our time on this earthly mission is short. Decades pass in the blink of an eye and soon we are looking at the ginger side of life when we know statistically that we have pretty well run the course. What we need to get a grip on is what we have done while on this rock. Have we served our family and loved ones well? Have we forgiven those who have been our detractors? Have we looked to God for help in determining how we might provide charity and love to others in the time we have left? In my mind the saddest people are those who get to life’s end and determine that they could have done so much more. My great friends Ron Nelson and Don Parker are examples of people who have given all they have to their families and friends. They are both fishermen and fisher’s of men. They have continued to serve in their homes and families, in the workforce, in their communities, and in church callings. When they pass through the veil, there will be no wailing and gnashing of teeth; rather, rejoicing and celebration for work well done.

Now, I don’t know if catching those stinky little fish is worth all the effort it takes. But I do know that serving God in whatever capacity in which we are called and blessing our families with good homes and good teachings is what we should do in the time we have. If fishing blesses lives around us then we should go for it. My son’s tried everything they knew to get me to take them fishing and hunting. Alas, I was an abject failure at that. I watch them now as they work with their sons and I am happy to say that they got the message and truly enjoy every moment they can with their children. None have become great fishermen, but I believe they all have become true fishers of men. I couldn’t be more proud of my children, the incredible spouses they married, and their marvelous children.

God bless you in all you do to serve your families and God

Duane Jacobs, grandpa, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend