Note: A Very special thank you to this week-end's guest contributor: Terry Chapman

Fishing is a metaphor for life and my life is transformed toward wholeness in Nature. But when I can’t fish, I can still go dream fishing! Of course, all those trout I bring to my net are huge and none escape until I release them.  Dreams matter to us because reality can be harsh at times, and any soothing release is welcomed.  But dreams and even prayers alone will not suffice—we all must reach out beyond ourselves!  

Much of our world is in disarray with wars and refugees suffering and alone.  Dreams release us from reality’s harshness and offer visions of “a better place”.  However, there are far too many hungry, homeless and challenged persons in dire need of assistance that need specific help. Even sharing your smile with someone you pass on the street, or grocery shopping, or when you go to a Doctor’s appointment, can release positive feelings for you and the one smiled at.

It is quite easy to pray and dream, but meeting real needs demands action and many small acts of caring, which will save our world for all.  I will pray, care, help, and provide when and where I can. Beyond that, I will keep dreaming of a more perfect world where fish are available for all and the waters they spring from, are clear and clean and drinkable for all human beings, and yes, full of large trout!

I do dream of fishing to feed the world;

Not by machinery, but by rod, reel, and my lures.

I do not suppose I can perform a miracle of the bread and fishes,

But perhaps, just maybe, with God’s help and yours, we can

Cast out hunger; help feed the masses; lessen the world’s pain

And forget the name of the game is gain!

Jesus was a fisher of men; let us aspire to covert dreams of fishing to feeding those men!

By Terry Chapman

Photo by Terry