Gone Fishing…

by Lynn, posted in Growing Deep

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30Oil

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Dear Friends,

Since most of us are taking time to remember those who sacrificed all for our freedom, and also, since my studio is still in some disarray after its recent move, I have decided to re-post a meditation from August 2015.  And yes, by re-publishing this, I am indeed ceasing the opportunity to once again “preach to myself.” 😉 

Thank you with all my heart for your grace and patience.  Your company o on this journey through ink and image means the world to me. God bless you beyond all that you can imagine!  ~Lynn ❤

© 2015 Lynn Abbott

I don’t know all the details. But I can certainly imagine. After all, the story became absolutely legendary over Christmas ham and mashed potatoes.

And I never forget a good story.

Of course, Dad’s tales especially fascinated me. And this one was no exception.

You see, for a seven-year-old, mealtime was always an unwanted and undesirable interruption. After all, there were just so many more interesting things to do.

Thus, when my maternal Grandmother told me I must finish the dreaded green peas before I could be excused from the table, Dad stepped in to save my day with a story and a grin.

“Did I ever tell you about my mom and the puppy?” he began.

“Tell it again, Dad!”

“Well, of course, your aunts and I always wanted a puppy,” he launched. “And so we were completely delighted with the somewhat emaciated and sorry excuse for a pup that showed up in our household. My mother, as always, took charge.”

I nodded enthusiastically.

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30Oil“That puppy, in her estimation, must be fattened up. Her compassionate heart broke to see such a sad creature. She loved that pup nearly as much as we did. She was always giving him good things to eat. ‘Eat, puppy dog; eat!’ she’d lovingly chide.”

“And then what, Dad?” I sat on the edge of my maple, Windsor chair.

“Well, of course, a puppy will eat whatever you put in front of him. And so, he would eat. Then, she would give him more. ‘Eat puppy dog; eat!’ And he ate and ate and ate…”

“And?” I said beginning to squirm with excitement, anticipating the coup d’etat…the clinching argument, my rescue.

“And still she said, ‘Eat, puppy dog; eat!'” Dad said, relishing the moment.

“And he ate and he ate and he ate some more. In fact, a puppy never knows when to stop eating. And, I’m sorry to say, that he ate himself to death.”

I looked with triumph upon my other grandmother.

“‘Eat puppy dog; eat!” Dad repeated, with twinkling mischief in his eyes.

Everyone but my grandmother burst out laughing.

“And still she said, ‘Eat, puppy dog; eat!'”

Come to think of it, sometimes I’m a bit like that puppy. Well, maybe not with food. I still dislike green peas.

However, I certainly overdo a lot of other good things.

When someone invites me to be a part of some activity, to reach out to others, to help out with a project, I enthusiastically say “yes!” Again and again, I bite off more than I can chew.

Eat, puppy dog, eat.

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30OilBefore I know it, I carry too great a load. I stagger under the weight of the commendable.

Scrambling day and night, I barely tread water.

And there is always just that one more worthy cause or activity. One more need to fill.

Eat, puppy dog, eat.

You betcha. I run from activity to activity; project to project… pond to pond, looking for my place in this world.

I long to be of service to Abba. I wish to lift others. I want to reach my world for Christ. After all, life is short. With what little time I have, I hope to touch as many hearts as I can.

And so I drop my fishing line in numerous and scattered places. I cast my net on diverse waters.

Quite frankly, I exhaust myself with the effort.

Maybe you can relate.

Yet, that internal voice repeatedly says, Eat, puppy dog, eat.

Before I know it, I carry too great a load. I stagger under the weight of the commendable.

I suppose that’s why I love the story of Eutychus.

Although Eutychus is mentioned but briefly in the book of Acts, those five, dedicated verses remind me that Abba loves the weary.

Eutychus’ grace encounter began simply enough. He attended a gathering of believers who sat under the teaching of the apostle Paul.

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30OilOn that particular occasion, Paul knew that he would leave Troas the following day; thus, he spoke until midnight.

Of course, in today’s post Edison world, working late might not seem particularly unusual. In early A.D., however, burning the midnight oil was quite extraordinary.

Eager to learn more of Abba, the believers nevertheless stayed. And Paul taught.

Seated on the window sill of the crowded room, Eutychus struggled to remain awake.

A full day’s activity, the dim lighting, the lateness of the hour–all conspired against him.

Luke, the author of Acts, writes that Eutychus was “sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on.”

I jest not. That’s exactly what it says: “as Paul talked on and on.”

Luke’s description creates a humorous mental picture: I picture Paul– passionately preaching– and poor Eutychus, intermittently nodding off.

Seated on the window sill of the crowded room, Eutychus struggled to remain awake.

I’m sure that Eutychus had put in a long workday before Bible study. Thus, as the hour grew late, he finally succumbed to the sand man’s gentle push …

And fell from the third story.

Gasp. The believers must have rushed to the street level. Luke reports that although they picked Eutychus up, it was too late.

Eutychus didn’t survive. But that’s where Grace stepped in.

Abba, through Paul, wrapped His arms around Eutychus. There were no words of recrimination. No one said, “You should have chosen a better seat or had another cup LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30Oilof coffee.”

Tired? Feeling overwhelmed and scattered?

Eutychus’ experience demonstrates that Abba not only loves us, but He also understands our physical limitations.

And so it was. Grace intervened that night on a street in Troas.

Paul, in fact, reassured the other believers: “Do not be alarmed…He’s alive,” (Acts 20:10).

Abba miraculously raised a weary young man from the dead. He met a tired, young believer’s needs.

Eutychus’ experience demonstrates that Abba not only loves us, but He also understands our physical limitations.

We have the promise in Isaiah 40: “Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength…”

The operative words here, of course, are “those who wait for the LORD…”

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30OilUnfortunately, I struggle in the “waiting.” I generally get myself into a muddle, running here and there.

Of course, in my enthusiastic, well intentioned hurry, I do cast my net in good places.

I see needs and impulsively jump in … In this way, I resemble Peter.

After the resurrection, Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John and two other others had returned to Galilee.

Although Christ had appeared to them, the disciples were uncertain about what they were to do next.

Peter decided it was time to do something and thus, announced to the others, “I am going fishing.”

The operative words here, of course, are “those who wait for the LORD…”

Fishing seemed a good move. After all, Peter and several of the others knew how to do that. And it must have been comforting to be back in Galilee where everything started.

However, despite their well intentioned efforts and diligent work, they caught nothing.

They fished all night. Even so, their nets came back empty.

Nothing. Nada.

As day was breaking, a voice called from the beach: “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?”

Obviously not.

Jesus, of course, knew that and offered direction for those sincere yet discouraged fisherman.

“Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch,” Christ told them.

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30OilThose who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles…

Peter and his friends cast their nets, and the catch was so great they could not haul it in.

John said, “It is the Lord.” And with renewed strength, Peter swam to shore.

That’s right. Sometimes I grow weary and tired because, although I throw my net in good waters, I haven’t clearly heard my Savior’s call.

In my eagerness, I have launched. But it isn’t long before I realize I’m in over my head.

Sometimes I grow weary and tired because, although I have thrown my net on good waters, I haven’t waited for my Savior’s call.

Grace sees my heart’s desire and yet, also understands my weariness.

And Abba lovingly calls, “Cast your net on the right-hand side of the boat…”

Maybe, like me, you have been living life on the freeway. Perhaps, “Eat, puppy dog, eat?” sums up your days, too.

Abba deeply loves “Eutychus,” (Psalm 103:13-14). No more spinning wheels. He calls us to the perfect fishing spot.

Yes, there is grace for the weary. Restorative grace.

LynnAbbott_Morning on the Maury_24x30OilBeen up fishin’ all night? Sitting on the sill with Eutychus? Or casting that net in every known fishing hole?

Abba promises rest and renewed strength for those who wait on Him.

In fact, we can be sure that when we cast our nets where Jesus directs, we will “run and not get tired…walk and not become weary,” (Isaiah 40:31).

And the catch will be greater than any we could ever imagine, (Ephesians 3:20).

“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might, He increases power,”~ Isaiah 40:29

71 thoughts on “Gone Fishing…”

  2. I was literally eating a handful of goldFISH crackers when I saw your blogpost-Gone Fishing. Lol. I was so weary today and even thinking -“I’m not doing enough.” So this post gave me perspective.

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      3. I’d love it Lynn—and let me apologize for seeming to be a bit MIA—it’s been a busy time and now I’m off to Atlanta tomorrow for a couple of days to keep the baby while Brenton is at work and Abby has some workshops with the new school.
        June is a busy month as far as my time as a being a babysitter is concerned.
        But the thoughts of ideally spending a lazy day at a lake with a dangling hook in the water is a thought most grand…
        I may seem distant Lynn but my thoughts and prayers are certainly with and for you!

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      4. Absolutely no apologies necessary, dearest Julie! If anyone has been MIA, it has been me! Those killer dust bunnies had me down for the count! Ha! Many prayers for you as everyone settles into their new routines in Atlanta! Love you much!! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. I am thankful for you, as well. In fact, I was going to write you today to see how you were doing. I know you have been very busy with your move. I hope you are all settled in now.

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      2. As of today, dear Sue, I am nearly settled. Just a few small tasks left. Thank you with ALL my heart for your thoughtfulness! You are truly a wonderful friend!! God bless you greatly, dear Sue! Love and huge hugs! ❤

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    1. So true, Robert!! Your thoughtful comment encouraged me to recall Mary and Martha… Martha obviously being the one running around. Thanks for your encouragement. You helped me further digest this! God bless you greatly.

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    1. Oh, wow, Shae!! That means so much to me. Thank you with all my heart!! Right now, however, I’m a little overwhelmed with moving my studio, etc. I had posted that I wouldn’t be accepting awards simply because I thought it would take me forever to accept them with my current schedule/load right now. But if, like TR, you don’t mind very delayed responses, I will try to accept your extremely kind nomination at some point in the future! Love and Huge Hugs!!

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  13. Eutychus – the story that puts fear in the hearts of preaching pastors, no one is going to fall out a 3rd story window in North America or at least it is highly unlikely but there is always the loud snorer that reminds everyone that the sermon went on and on – Great post!

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  15. Lynn……

    Let us wait upon the LORD. For HE is our strength and courage and our very being. Abide with HIM and HE will help you soar! Thanks for this wonderful post! (loved the puppy story too!)

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  16. Oh, dear Lynn, I am so familiar with the poor puppy’s enthusiasm. I’m sorry you suffer from it, too, but what great analogies and lessons. Thank you, dear friend!
    Blessings~
    ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Robbye! Your empathy and kindness mean the world to me. Taking on too much is an off and on again issue for me. Periodically, I need to preach to myself. 😀 These past weeks have been one of those times in my life. With God’s help, I’m prioritizing. 🙂 Love you much, my fantastic friend! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. You are so welcome, my dear friend1
        Lynn, I fall into that trap so many times!
        I sometimes think we all need to preach to ourselves a little more, on both the good and the bad-keep ourselves in line, more or less.
        Love you, too, dear one!!!
        Blessings~
        ❤ xoxo ❤

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      2. Thank you so much for understanding, dear Robbye!! I’ll be by your place soon to catch up! I see you’ve posted some more of your wonderful book reviews! Can’t wait to make a summer reading plan based on my dear friend’s recommendations! 😉 ❤ ❤

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      3. Thank you!
        I am so far behind right now that I think I need to post a review every day until the middle of October just to get caught up!! Plus, I have my blog tours, etc scattered in there, too! You’re going to have a HUGE list, dear Lynn! But, alas, it can’t be helped. My list would go to the moon and back about 100 times, and don’t even get me started on all the books I have and haven’t had time to read!
        Don’t worry about when you can stop by, I know you have been busy.
        Blessings~
        ❤ xoxo ❤

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      4. Poor Robbye! That is quite a mounting pile of books!! I can’t even begin to imagine how jammy packed your bookcases must be! Are you like me with piles of books strewn around the house at every corner? And a review everyday? How would you have time to keep up with your reading, then? Sigh…what a merry-go-round that would be! You are much in my thoughts! Love you bunches! ❤ ❤

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      5. Oh, Lynn, I gave up on having them lined up like nice little soldiers on my bookshelves! They are now lying on their sides having a magnificent rest, and taunting me!!
        They indeed are strewn EVERYWHERE! (Very much to my oldest daughter’s chagrin!)
        Reading, therein lies the problem sometimes! However, since I usually can’t sleep, if I don’t (cough, cough) get too terribly distracted by computer games, I can get a phenomenal amount of reading done while everyone is asleep!
        Thank you, you are in my thoughts and prayers, too.
        Love you!
        Blessings~
        ❤ ❤ ❤

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      6. I can so well imagine, Robbye! You should see my house! I’ve got stacks of books at least 3 feet high next to every table and in every room of the house! Ha! But I just can’t bear to give the books away. They are “friends.” I love that you read late at night! It’s a beautifully quiet time, isn’t it? Your oldest will one day be like you… she may not think so now, but I’ll bet she’ll end up loving books as much as you do! 😉 Love and huge hugs to you, my wonderful friend!! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

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  18. I love the way you weave life happenings and Bible stories into this beautiful tapestry that glows with applicable lessons for Christ-centered living! You have a way with words, my dear! Such a gifted story-teller!❤️

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    1. Aww… thank you, dear Mia! That means the world to me coming from you! You are such a wonderful writer! I’m so thankful to God for having introduced us here in the blogosphere! God bless you big time, my lovely friend! 🙂 ❤

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    1. Aww… that’s a really nice thing to say, Mitch! Thank you! Just needed to remind myself to slow down a little and be “still” in God’s presence. Very thankful for your friendship and honored that you stopped by, sir! 🙂 🙂

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  20. As an avid fisherman, I love all references to fishing in the bible. I love that Jesus appears to have his mind set on eating some fish. He has a fire ready and he is waiting for the cooking to begin. I’ve wondered what Jesus would have done if the disciples were just too tired to cast their nets again. I feel like maybe Jesus would have commanded some fish out of the water and into the frying pan.

    Being a part of God’s plan is no obligation, it is a privilege. The disciples were obedient and we find encouragement and and understanding of God through this simple act thousands of years later.

    I think I forget often that God has a plan, his mind is set on eating fish and no matter what has already happened, that plan will come to pass.

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    1. Love that, Mike! Yes… Jesus was able to feed 5000 with a few loaves and fish, he certainly could have commanded fish to appear for the morning meal for a few weary fishermen. 🙂 Great thoughts! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I always am inspired by your words. God bless you greatly, my friend! 🙂

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  21. May our ONE TRUE GOD THE FATHER who art in Heaven Above Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and my Messianic Jewish Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!

    GOD BLESS You Sweet Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua and Your Family members and Friends!! Have a Great time outdoors!!

    I Love you all Everyone through Jesus-Yeshua Christ, because HE LOVED 💜💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!

    Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

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  22. Oh, how this story speaks volumes!!! I was just talking to someone about biting off more than we can chew. You are right, Lynn we are kindred spirits. My father is always a story teller as well!!

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  23. Right Now Lynn I have 7 Awards for you but please don’t feel you have to Post them all at once just Post one at a time or you will be exhausted and you don’t have to begin right now you can start Posting them in 1/2 an hour and by tonight for sure you will have Posted them All or maybe sooner, Yep Post Lynn Post!!!

    Seriously I do have an Award for you Lynn in fact two of them but I promise you there is nothing for you to do but read them, like you with this Message I Posted them years ago but I hope to start sharing them again and do you know why because everything and I mean everything we do for The Lord is not wasted and when we like you do reach out to those in need even if it’s 100 times a Day and show Kindness to them and Kindness is part of Love, than like you are doing, we are being Kind to Jesus too and what will yours and our Reward be for our being Faithful when we are Motivated by The Holy Spirit to show Kindness to others? read Matthew 25:31-40

    Your Awards Lynn from my Heart to yours…….

    King of Kings Friendship Award……… https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/the-king-of-kings-friendship-award/

    Friendship Flower Blessings………..
    https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/friendship-flower-blessings/

    Christian Love dear Lynn Always – Anne.

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    1. Aww, thank you with ALL my heart, dearest Anne!!!!! I will treasure these awards for always!!!!! And one day I will write posts about them!!!! You are a true and understanding friend!! And I am honored to know you!! I thank God for introducing us through our blogs. What an encouragement and inspiration your faith has been to me again and again. I both love and admire you, Anne! God bless you beyond all that you can imagine. And may He heal you swiftly so that we might correspond here and on your blog for years to come!! ❤ ❤

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