This time of year, the deer look really bad. They are thin, patchy, and are fighting ticks, other parasites, and disease. As you may know, this is the time of year when the population can be devastated. CWD and EHD are diseases that every hunter will look for during these hot months. The weakest will not survive. But here is what makes this a little confusing. This time of year, the abundance of food sources is perhaps the greatest. Yes, the acorns will begin falling soon, but the fruit trees, garden plants, and other browse are at their peak. Food is everywhere, and yet life is the most fragile. I really don’t know what to think about that. All over the world we see disease and death tied directly to starvation. We rarely see it tied to abundance. The only thing I can attribute to this contrast is the fact that not only does the good and best thrive in abundance, so does the bad and hurtful. It seems that times of plenty are not necessarily a sign of health. In the physical world that may be debated. In the spiritual world, it’s an objective truth. Over the years I have watched people suffer great loss. And while they have serious questions for God, and while they can even get mad at His inaction, most somehow cling to their faith. I have also watched the homeless and hungry look to the sky to thank God when the least blessing comes their way. It seems they too are quick to run to God when hurt, hunger, and heartache come their way. But when it comes to extreme blessings, most of us find a way to replace God with the wealth He has blessed us with. Especially when it comes to money. Money allows us to buy things. And the more money we have, the more things we can buy. And the more things we can buy, the easier it is to preoccupy ourselves. And while we are preoccupied, a disease is setting in that our possessions will not be able to heal. But hear this. It is not the fault of the blessing. God wants to give them to us. But it’s my fault if I don’t keep these blessings in their rightful place. Am I only warning the rich? No. I’m warning guys like me and you. The guys whose blessings are not in the form of yachts, but in the form of Bass Trackers. And whose ownership doesn’t include thousands of acres, but only a few. I’m warning me. I’m reminding myself that during times of abundance, I need to watch for the parasites. Because abundance can be a feeding ground for those things that want to kill my relationship with God.
Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for over 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional.
He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations.