17Sep 07
The only time we lose…
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The thrill, excitement, and wonder of hunting has set in upon our household once again. September 1st marked the beginning of Virginia’s hunting period with the commencement of dove season. On that particular afternoon I found myself sitting on an old hay bale searching the tree lines and horizon. Shots could be heard all around as doves flew with great skill and alacrity, dodging hunters and missing BBs. Ah – what a sensation. Sitting there under the bright sunlight, using the gun’s 
stock to write out a few thoughts, and wondering how to bring the next dove to the ground. Unfortunately, I must admit the BBs in the shells I use don’t find the doves very well 
. I try to do everything right: aim, pull trigger, whince for the coming jolt, oh and make sure the gun is loaded, but that doesn’t guarantee a harvested dove – hmmmm?
The well known answer comes to mind: ‘Practice Makes Perfect.’ A couple people in our household have become quite accurate shooters. Over the recent months, opportunities have arisen for practice. Slowly several of us are learning the proper ways to aim & 
fire, but we are by no means accomplished yet.
At times though when a goal, vision, or desire come to mind, we want perfection now! The Word of the Lord to me this morning rings loud and clear, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Heb. 10:36).” Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, Ruth, David, and countless former and present day heroes of the faith would readily acclaim that any success experienced was a result of patiently waiting for the fulfillment of the promise. The key lay 
in their continual preparation – their faithfulness. They didn’t quit. The results were in the hands of the Lord. As in target practice, piano playing, mastering a skill, and more, there is no one single decision or action that brings about fluency, except a decision to begin. Success is the result of continually advancing towards the goal. As Dad often reminds us, the only time we lose is when we quit!
Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s timing regardless of the opposition.
Your exactly right Joshua! We just need to have bold-dog tenacity and remember the reason were pressing on-for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Joshua I have enjoyed learning how to shoot a gun on the land. I really like doing it with everybody. I hope we get some doves, I really want to try eating their meat!
What diligence and dedication there has been in practicing either with the bow or gun! I look forward to seeing that big deer that one of you will bring in! Try not to go for Bambi though
As Josh said practice makes perfect.
Wow, you are right Joshua. I’ll remember that the next time I look out and see one of the many doves out my window
Sounds like fun. It’s amazing how fun sitting and waiting can be when it is mixed with anticipation!
Markie, I appreciate the way you listen to the advice of those instructing you. I like that picture of you and Adam working together.
So there are doves in Taiwan? They must be rock doves then?
Sounds like a lot of fun. I can well remember those thrilling days in early fall as I prepared for the hunting season. It was great to get out in the great out-doors and see God’s creation and make good use of the things that He has provided. =)
Keep on target!