May 7, 2024
I wish I could give credit to whoever or wherever I first heard this story, but it's been so long, and I can't remember. Here's the gist: A group of avid fishermen friends heads out on a fishing trip, towing a small camper that will be their home for the four-day excursion.
On the first day, it rains - hard - all day. The group of friends stays inside the camper, playing cards and reconnecting over a few beers. They end up not even minding that they didn't get to fish because they all enjoyed the unexpected diversion and catching up on each other's lives.
On day 2, the rain relentlessly continues. Now they are disappointed but still in good spirits and hopeful that it will let up soon. They pass the time in the small camper looking at maps and discussing plans for their next adventure, which keeps them occupied. But still, no fishing.
By day 3, everyone was eager to get out on the lake, but it was still raining. Now, everyone is getting irritated. They're tired of their cramped quarters and annoyed with each other, but they're still doing their best to stay civil. One friend suggests they pack it up and head home. The others insist that they came to fish, and the rain would have to stop today. But it didn't.
By day 4, the tight-knit group of friends was at each others' throats. No one was getting along. Everyone was irritated and miserable, and they gave up and went home - all in bad moods and angry with the others.
These like-minded anglers had every reason to like each other. However, adverse circumstances caused them to be dissatisfied with their situation and, ultimately, with each other. Because when fishermen don't fish - they fight.
When we are kept from doing what we are called to do - or simply won't do what we're meant to do, it creates a nagging void in our lives. And, just like that attic or extra room in your home, that void WILL be filled eventually, and not with anything that you need. Little things that never seemed to bother you will seem monumental or unforgivable. Tensions will run high, and relationships will suffer. Trouble follows boredom like a shark on a blood trail, and it won't be long until it catches up and wreaks havoc in your life.
But what if you don't know what you're "called" or meant to do? Well, I believe that we all have a universal starting point. Can we all agree that no one was born with the sole purpose of hating others? Then, it must stand to reason that the possibility at least exists that we all have one mandate: to love. How different might the world look if we were all busy fulfilling that purpose in our lives?
Acts of love are not that complicated - even if you really don't feel it. Here are some super simple reactive and proactive examples that may not necessarily seem like "love," but they are at least the opposite of hate:
Not only are these self-respecting responses, but they are also acts of love. You won't always feel love for other people, but you do need to love yourself.
Some people are always looking for a fight simply because they're not in one. We all need a cause - something to be passionate about - because we are all like those fisherman friends. No one is immune to the inevitable aimless drift into selfishness and discontent. So make intentional acts of love your purpose, and see where it leads you.
I bet you'll catch a lot of fish.