This is this weeks Outdoor Truth with Gary Miller titled Two Fish – More Than I Asked For.

Outdoor Truths – Two Fish –
More Than I Asked For

I had heard of others catching two fish on the same bait before, but I had never done it or even witnessed it. All that changed the other day. It was a beautiful, comfortable, and even cool August morning on the river. It had been several weeks since I had taken this same trip. I was excited about throwing my little top water torpedo at some smallmouth. My excitement was justified by the number of fish we caught during the first three hours of daylight. Nothing big, but lots of action. I made one cast into a small pocket when it happened. The water boiled. I waited until I felt it pull, and I set the hook on not one but two smallmouth. After several minutes of fighting the fish and the current, I landed both. One was fifteen inches long and the other thirteen. I’m glad there was a witness there to verify my fish tale. While sometimes I may not get what I ask for, on this day I received more that I asked for.

When my son was around eleven years old he was riding with me in my truck. He began to run his fingers through the coins in my ashtray. I watched him and wondered what was going through his mind. I determined that eventually he was going to ask me if he could have the change. I prepared myself for a special father and son moment. He would ask for the money and I would say, “Of course you can have that money. You’re my son and I’m so proud of you and you can take it all and put it in your own jar.” It was going to be a wonderful moment. And after a few more minutes he opened his mouth and said, “Dad, can I drive?” Did I hear him right? Did he ask if he could drive? What happened to the two dollars’ worth of coins and our special moment? I barked back at him, “No you can’t drive!” He settled back down and never asked for the money.

God taught me several things about Himself through this small episode. First of all, sometimes our prayers are not answered because the timing is not right. One day my son would be able to drive my truck but at eleven years old, the timing was wrong. Secondly, sometimes our prayers are not answered because we don’t ask for what God wants to give us. If my son would have asked for the money in my ashtray, I would have gladly given it to him. Thirdly, sometimes our prayers are not answered because God wants to give us more than what we ask for. My ashtray was full. There was not a lot of money in it, but it was all I had. And if I was willing to give my son all I had, what is God willing to give me above just what I ask for? Two smallmouth on one plug! That was more than I could have ever asked for. But I’m glad that sometimes God does just that.

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org

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_{DISCLAIMER: The views, beliefs and opinions expressed in this article, Outdoor Truths, are those of Gary Miller and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs or opinions of Courageous Christian Father. Outdoor Truth’s is a syndicated article published in various newspaper and online sources and has been used on Courageous Christian Father with permission from Gary Miller. #OutdoorTruths}

About the Author

Gary Miller

Gary began pursuing his desire to write a newspaper column to hunters and fishermen that would lead them to contemplate their relationship with their Creator. The column was picked up by two newspapers. After these many years now, it covers much of the country not only through several newspapers but also through regional magazines and online. His writing provided opportunities to speak to these same hunters and fishermen at events such as Beast Feasts. The results were men giving their lives to Christ.
Even though he was not raised in a hunting or fishing home, Gary has followed his heart to the water and woods since he was a child. What started on the banks of the local canal catching carp, now extends to every part of his life as he aims outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen toward Christ.

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