Crushed by Brodie Swisher The bittersweet task of pulling treestands and ground blinds at the end of deer hunting season has come once again. I took my 4-year-old boy, Easton, out with me recently as we headed to the field to take down a Double Bull blind from one of my favorite early season sets. The blind was situated in the midst of a fallen treetop in the middle of a huge apple orchard. Death had struck plenty of times from this location in the past, including three different hunts with each of my kids over the past season. It was a great year! But as Easton and I approached the scene, we noticed the blind was no longer standing. At first glance it appeared to be gone completely. But after further investigation we realized that the blind was in fact there, it had just been reduced to a broken mess on the ground floor. Between the recent snow storms and a few overly-curious horses, our ground blind had been crushed. Easton’s eyes showed a look of concern. I could only grin as I thought about the good times we had experienced in the blind over the past several seasons. Sure, the blind was now in ruins. But it was worth it to be a part of what we were able to experience while in pursuit of whitetail deer. The blind was crushed, but the memories of our times there would last forever. You know, the ironic thing about brokenness is that it often signifies the goodness of something that has transpired, or the blessing of something on the horizon. Material things become broken by the use and abuse we put them through. But it’s often in the brokenness of life, spiritually, emotionally, that we discover a hope never before imagined. I thank God for the brokenness of His Son, Jesus. His story gives me a hope for the better days that are sure to come. Because of the brokenness He endured, we can truly live. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
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Opportunity Fuels Desire by Brodie Swisher Recent days brought the close of most hunting opportunities here in Montana. Duck and goose seasons closed on January 11th and bow season for deer followed a few days later. Much to my wife’s excitement, it is finally over. What started back on September 1st, has finally come to an end. And even after a long season of success, with plenty of punched tags, the desire still burned within me to get back out in pursuit in the final days of the season. After all, there were ducks and geese to shoot, and whitetail does to add to the freezer. When the opportunity was there, the desire followed close behind. On the day following the close of hunting season, while picking up a few scattered items from around the man-cave, I picked up several dvd’s that I had watched in the final weeks of season. Just days before, Zink’s waterfowl hunting dvd was all it took for me to set my alarm clock for an early wake-up to head to the fields to chase geese. The opportunity was there…and the passion quickly followed. Primos bowhunting dvd’s were scattered around as evidence of what held my attention just days before. But now, with the lack of opportunity to pursue deer, these dvd’s were of no interest to me. They found their place back on the shelves, where they’ll remain until opportunities arise once again next season. I was moving on to the next opportunity! My thoughts had already transitioned to winter wolves, lions, and even spring turkey and black bears. My heart’s desire always seems to follow opportunity. The same holds true for much of our day to day routine in life. We desire and crave the very things that are so readily available to us. We want things fast and easy…and now. Gone are the days of having to wait. When opportunities abound, our desire typically takes a front-row seat. Sadly, this truth is what burns many people in relationships and the work-place. Opportunity-fueled desires have led many to cheat on their spouse, their boss, or their taxes. When you see dangerous opportunities arise, that you know will ultimately lead to desire within you, it is time to bring that “season” to a close. Remove the opportunity, and you’ll dance less with the desire. “Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:3-5 |
Brodie SwisherBrodie Swisher is a World Champion game caller, accomplished speaker, a notable writer, a skilled hunter, and all around down to earth guy! His travels take him across the country as a well known public speaker in the arena of outdoor events such as wildgame dinners, banquests, archery classes, and filming. Above all Brodie Swisher loves Jesus and he can't wait to share his passion for Christ with those he meets. Archives
September 2013
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