Thoughts
The words in this verse seem so simple and straight forword. They are. Yet, there have been numerous times in my life where I have failed to follow them. I would like to think that the older I get, the smarter I become. Like everyone else, I have my good days and my not-so-good days. Nevertheless, if I commit to the Lord what I do with a good heart, my plans not only succeed for me, but for all involved.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to take fishing a young man who had been going through a tough time in his life. The small lake to which I took him and his father is notorious for big bass. The fire in the young man's eyes was evident as he wanted to make a 100 casts a minute; and it wore a little on my patience. I suddenly remembered that this day of fishing was not about me; it was about him. That's what I wanted to show this young man--that it was for him.

The bite was a little tough that day; there was a need to fish slower and more deliberate than he was used to. He caught a bass, then another and another. As he was reeling in a fish, I felt a "tic" on my line. I took his rod from him to release his fish and told him to hold my rod for just a minute while I did so. My rod doubled over at the weight of the heavy fish. He fought the big fish for a couple of minutes, and I finally netted the seven-pound bass for him.

As soon as I commited the plan to the Lord--that the day was to be for the young man. Then, as always, the Lord was faithful; and all plans for the day succeeded. (JC)

Action Point
Sometimes it's hard to remember, or even see that it is not all about us. We get taken in by the world around us. When sharing an outdoor adventure with friends, the more you give, the more you will definitety receive. More often than not, the reward you receive for giving far outweighs your greatest expectations.