A Ricky Bobby Frame of Mind

A Ricky Bobby Frame of Mind
by Time Smith

The Story: As I write this Field Tip, I'm in a NASCAR mode. The racing season was officially kicked off last week and we were all treated to one of the craziest Daytona 500's ever. After the race, I started pondering what it would actually be like if Tim Smith was a NASCAR driver. No doubt it'd be AWESOME!  I'm pretty sure my day would go something like this...

Me and ol' June bug (i.e. Dale Jr.) would be 1 and 2 on the pole (I'd be 1st of course). As soon as that green flag dropped, I'd be "boogity, boogity, boogity" "checkers or wreckers baby".  After several laps, I'd tell my crew chief "it's a little tight in center" not really knowing what that meant but wanting to sound all "official" on the radio.  After tweeting all of my fans during a red flag stop (which would be caused by a jet dryer and a racecar) we'd go green, white, checkers. In turn four of the final lap, I'd gently spin Kurt Busch out, putting him into the wall in a kind, Christian, loving sort of way. As I crossed the finish line, I'd complete my victory lap with a monumental burn out and do a back flip as I exited the car all the while waving to the Tim Smith Nation (my fans). In victory lane, I'd thank all the boys in the pits and those back at the shop for getting the Primos Game Call, Realtree Outdoors, Winchester Ammunition, Brunton Optics, Mission, Without Excuse, On Target Outdoor Ministries #89 Ford Fusion to "victory lane". I'd wrap up my post race interview with the immortal words of Ricky Bobby himself (i.e. Talladega Nights) -"If You Ain't FIRST--You're LAST."

The Word: Although it sounds kind of funny, I believe many of us have acquired a "Ricky Bobby Frame Of Mind". If you ain't first -you're last. Outdoorsmen are no different. Time and again we pull out every stop and spend countless hours in pursuit of the biggest buck, biggest fish, or biggest you fill in the blank.  The problem with this mentality is that being first can easily consume us and become our first priority. Jesus gave us a reality check in Matthew 6 when He stated "its impossible to serve two masters"-you'll end up "devoted to one and despising the other". He also makes it clear what our priority should be in Matthew 22 when He informed us of the greatest commandment.  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Field Tip: I often use my time in the woods to connect with God by spending time in His Word. If you haven't done so already, place a small Bible in your turkey vest, day pack or tackle box. If you're tech savvy, there are numerous Bible apps for your smart phone. When you have a break in the action while in the woods or on the water, make it a priority to explore God's heart by spending time in His Word.

Making Him known,

Tim
 

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