I'd
been working long and hard, it was a cool autumn day
I
figured if I hurried that maybe by three I could be on my way
So I
rushed on home, changed clothes and hooked up my rig,
Throwed in some poles, tackle and such, even checked my jig and pig.
Well,
I was halfway to Sooner when I looked up
And
there was Jesus sittin' in my pick-up truck!!!
At
first I thought it was just in my head
Then
thoughts bounced around, am I dead?
It
must have been at least a half mile before I checked again
Then
such a peace came over me. I knew my best fishin' trip had just began.
We
talked what about I'm not sure .
It
was by thought, and oh so pure.
As I
backed down the boat , I was bubblin' with Joy
You
know, kinda like catchin' your first fish as a boy!
As I
hopped in the boat, n sit down in my seat, and just before I turned the
key
There
he was ---smilin'---sittin' right next to me.
We
checked the water ---- so calm and clear
I
could hear a flock a geese , I knew they were near.
He
said, "Our Father made all this just for you.
The
grass, the trees, the sky so blue."
I sit
in awe --- then I cranked up the Merc
I
knew we were headed were the big'uns lurk!
We
went through the canal and around the bend
My
hope at this time, was that this would never end.
We
were the only ones out that day
And I
could just feel it, the bass were wantin' to play!
As I
coasted in to my favorite hole
Jesus
said, "Be sure to hang on to that fishing pole?"
Well,
I saw my cast before I ever made it
He
laughed and said, "Someone's gonna get bit!"
I
flipped my jig right next to an ole rusty log
In
hopes it was the home of a big ole hog.
I
took up the slack, clicked over my reel
Put
my finger on the line for a real good feel.
Oh
what a thump! My line headed south
Jesus
laughed and said, " You've hooked Ole Bucketmouth!"
The
fight was on --- down the bank she went
Mercy, my pole sure was bent!
She
jumps and down the bank she goes
The
excitement, I'm sure, every fisherman knows!!!
Well,
I thumbed that rascal, and fell back in my seat
And I
know for three counties, you could hear my heartbeat!
Checked her out from tip to tail
Most
folks would have claimed she was a whale!!
The
colors so bright, the black, the shimmering green
I'd
fought a lot of bass, but this one was plum mean.
I
said, "Thank ya Lord, You've blessed me greatly!"
And I
remembered I hadn't said that enough lately.
That
glow that was around him seemed to get a little brighter
That
lump in my throat got a whole lot tighter.
Well,
I smiled at him and he smiled at me
And I
said---"This one I've got to set free!"
We
hit a dry spell.... I think it was in the plan
That's when I noticed the hole in his hand.
The thought crossed my mind, He did that--just for me
You've got it----- He set us all free!!
The
number of fish caught that day I can't quite remember
But
we couldn't do no wrong, caught'em on the bank and in the timber.
What
seemed like minutes, well hours had passed.
Oh,
but the memories will last and last.
We
set by the dike with prairie chickens playin'
We
saw three deer, two feedin' and one layin'
The quail were whistlin' and Marlands flew by.
If
you looked to the west, It was a beautiful yellow-orange sky.
The
scenery so beautiful, oh the sights we did see
But,
nothing was more glorious than who was ridin' with me.
No, I
didn't see angels, but I knew they were around
Jesus
said, "They keep unearthly things bound."
He
said, " The Father's angels have charge concerning you. You're never
alone.
They'll lift you up even if you just trip on a stone."
He talked to me with such a truth that I could easily understand
It
was so peaceful and joyous, but never a demand.
He said , "The Father looks at the heart for each one's desires
A
man full of life, God so admires."
Now
he is with me everyday. If you look real close, you just might see
Who
it is ---standing right next to me.
I've tried to write down what I experienced that day
I
know I 've failed, there's just no way!
So
the next time you're out amongst God's creations
You
might just find your self in the same situation.
The last words he spoke in such a way
That they will stay with me until my dyin' day.
What I'd enjoyed, he said " was just an inklin' of what's to be
When
in heaven we'll fish --- THE FATHER, THE SON, & ME!
Gene Hines 1991
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