If you or a loved one are hunting deer this season, I wish you success. I grew up in a family of deer hunters, and I know the work it takes to put venison in the freezer. My folks hunted from “can’t see to can’t see” in all kinds of weather. They also held the opinion that no buck could be found within one mile of the truck. I didn’t harvest many deer myself, but I was allowed to help drag my parents’ deer out of swamps, over rivers, and through the snow.
Looking back, I have many fond memories of working with dad and mom because of hunting. And it is work! The Bible says, “the lazy do not roast any game” (Proverbs 12:27), and that’s because to be successful, it takes some effort. People marvel at my uncle’s walls of trophy whitetails, but few realize he’ll hike two hours to reach his stand.
The second half of Proverbs 12:27 tells of the rewards of “diligence.” Sometimes these cold, dark days can make you feel lazy and tired. But we won’t let laziness rob us of the rewards of diligent work. We’ll get up and get going, rather than being like the lazy person in Proverbs 26:14: “As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.”
May God strengthen us in our work, our chores, and even in our hunting this week that we may be diligent. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). And at all times, may we not lack zeal, but instead be “enthusiastic in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). I hope your diligence pays off with a nice buck. Just don’t call me to help drag him out of the swamp.
