A Cold Day in December

     It was a cold December morning as I set out to find some fish to catch.  The fog had set in so I knew it would be along time before the sun could burn it off.  Heading to my favorite fishing spot, my journey was slow and tedious.  As I moved across the sound the fog thickened.  I switched on my newly installed fog lights.  This illuminated the area enough to take the worry out of the day.  I slowed my boat to a snail's pace, taking my time to ensure I didn't run aground.  Thirty minutes later, I arrived at the mouth of the creek that I wanted to fish.  This trip would normally take me 35 minutes, but due to the fog it took me over an hour.  I paused at the mouth of the creek and said a quick prayer to the Lord for a safe trip, and allowing me the opportunity to fish this day.  I checked my livewell, readied my anchor for fishing, and started easing my boat up the creek. 
     The creek was narrow and as I made my way back into the trees, the fog lifted a little.  The seen was like a painting.  The moss hung low off the large majestic oaks that overhung the creek.  The water was like glass.  It had a dark color, which told me there was some fresh water mixed in with it. This made it perfect for fishing.  As I glanced behind me, I noticed the wake of the boat just drift into the bank and disappear as the water took on its mirror effect again.  I rounded the final bend, and shifted my boat into neutral.  I slowly walked to the bow, picked up the anchor and eased it into the water, careful not to make any noise.  Tying it off, I noticed that the fog was hanging about treetop level. 
     I reached in the livewell and grabbed a polywog, and hooked it through the lips.  I set the depth of my cork about 5 feet.  My fishing spot was a liveoak that had fallen about halfway into the creek.  Its limbs, covered with barnacles, made there way down into the creek.  I made my cast just out in front of the limbs.  With a quick pop of my cork, it slipped out of site.  I set the hook hard.  The line on my reel peeled off as I struggled to set my drag.  The fish rolled in the water as if it were boiling.  With the water tempature being in the upper 50's, I knew the fish wouldn't put up much of a fight.  After about 10 minutes, I eased the fish along side the boat.  I placed my net behind him and slowly raised him out of the water.  It was a large black drum.  I gently took my hook out of his mouth and eased him back in the water.  With a couple movements back and forth, he quickly revived and slowly swam down into the dark water.  I continued to fish most of the day, catching and releasing fish.  On the way back, I took a picture of the sun setting over the sound.  Again, it was like a painting.
     I sat back looked to the sky and thanked the Lord for a beautiful day.  In Mathew 6:33, God says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
     Christmas is a time for giving.  Remember to help others who are in need, and to pray for them.  God knows your needs and will remember you on his timetable.  His blessings will be overwhelming if you trust and believe in Him.  I know there is a place in Heaven for me, I just hope you are there with me.  May God bless you in all that you do.