Here Fishy, Fishy... - Kristin Sterk

Like I mentioned in my weekly update post, Dan and I had the opportunity to go on a fishing charter with some friends! Last year, our friends had asked us to come with them, but that was the day my LifeVest ended up beeping, telling me it was going to shock my heart. Needless to say, I ended up in the ER and was ambulanced to the U of M Hospital. I felt terrible that we had to cancel, but I’m thankful that incident did not happen out on the water!

Well, our friends graciously asked if we would like to join them this year, and we couldn’t have been more excited! I had never been fishing on Lake Michigan before, and to do it with good friends, it was a recipe for the perfect night! Not to mention, we had THE most perfect weather! Waves minimal, warm sun, breath-taking sunset, fish were in the boat, and many laughs had.

And the most memorable part of the trip for me was the fish I caught. It was by far the smallest fish, as I chuckled while bringing it in, knowing it was truly a baby of someone’s family! But the meaning goes far deeper than the facts.

When I saw our friends reel in their fish, I kept thinking, there is no way I’m going to be able to do that. The energy and stamina, the upper body strength needed, things I do not have as a heart failure patient. I am a go-getter and don’t like to admit I can’t do something. Sure enough, the bell rung and it was my turn to reel one in! As I started to spin that handle, it seemed a bit easier than I expected, and quickly the captain’s helper said it was a little guy! I started to laugh, but couldn’t have been more excited.

God works in the littlest of details, doesn’t He? He cares about the little things in life – things that to the common eye, don’t really matter and are insignificant. Who wants to catch a little fish? God knew how to bring glory to Himself, even while on a fishing charter, through a small fish.

All we could do was just laugh in amazement at the love God has for us and the little details, like reeling in a small fish. It has been a trying time for us, and so to see God act in this way, was a gentle reminder that God is always with us, even while we are miles out in the middle of the lake. He cares about the big AND little details. And as the details of my heart are getting figured out, God is busy working in the little ones too – like keeping this ole heart safe, even while fishing.

To God be the glory!

And now on to the pictures…