For the deer hunter there's nothing like each years scouting period. Right now it gets serious. Right now the placement for tree stands must be exact. If the stands are not already up, they are going to be shortly. And where they are put will not only determine success but will determine whether we'll spend hours of enjoyment in the woods or hours of disappointment. There's something special about this scouting. It brings us back to an earlier time. It's one of those things that technology cannot replace. It may perfect it and simplify it but it cannot replace you and me going into the woods and finding the sign of deer. We may hang a camera around a tree but we still must have some kind of idea as to which tree to put it on. Thus, the scouting. While others may see, for you and me, we have to see with understanding. While others may hear, we must hear with understanding. While others smell, we must smell with understanding. For instance, a novice may walk into the woods and see a tree and think how beautiful that tree is; we will walk into the woods, see that same tree, identify its species as a White Oak, check for acorns, consider its accessibility, size, and shape and say, "That's a great tree to put a stand in." A deer hunter cannot go into the woods without this process taking over. We can never take a leisurely stroll through the woods or even near the woods because while others see the general, we see the specifics. If I go anywhere around the woods I am inevitably going to notice funnels, food sources, and fumes. It's automatic. I am going to look with understanding.
Jesus constantly called those around him to do the same. He would speak and then say, "He who has ears, let him hear." He simply wanted those around him to understand what He was saying. Perhaps it's been a while since you have listened to God. It may have been because at one time you heard but did not understand. Keep reading, praying and listening. If you do, you will grow in your ability to see the activity of God in your life and in the lives of others. And while others only see the general, you will see specifically where God has been and where He is going.

gary@outdoortruths.org ~ www.outdoortruths.org