The sound of silence. Not so much like the one Simon and Garfunkel once performed, but a dead calmness nonetheless. Except for the occasional echo of nearby livestock or a passing vehicle, I sat there mentally acknowledging the start of deer season.
Despite the gnats and deceivingly warm 84-degree heat, a sense of gratitude set in.
However, it wasn’t immediate. As a human, I had to sort out a few things first. After all, there were things to angst about; a sick wife at home, family matters to deal with, and a to-do list as long as my arm.
Luckily, after a few minutes of reflection, I had peace – much more important than a big buck encounter. And once I had established that peace, the hunt was on. I nocked an arrow and the wait continued.
Avid deer hunters are thinkers – often over-thinkers. From contemplating wind direction to worrying about the age of a potential shooter buck, this rare breed of outdoorsman loses sleep between hunts, strategizing, and often combining perceived to-dos into a tangled mess of thought and emotion. Thoughts like, “I forgot my trail camera cards” or “I should have hunted a different stand” pervade the hunting ether.
That’s why it’s no surprise that it can make for discontentedness on stand – especially when you include those non-hunting issues that often invade a hunter’s gray matter. You know the ones; an upcoming presentation at work, an ongoing conflict with your spouse, and financial worries, just to name a few.
Once in the stand, opportunities for self-examination, perspective, and planning are there for the taking. Here are a few ways to achieve more peace of mind while in the hunting stand, and ultimately after returning home.
Prayer
Praying from the tree stand or hunting blind is a deeply meaningful practice for many avid outdoorsmen and women. When positioned in a quiet, secluded spot amidst nature’s tranquility, the act of prayer takes on a special significance. The hunter is surrounded by God’s creation – the awesome sunrises and sunsets, the rustling of leaves, and the distant calls of wildlife. In this serene environment, far removed from the distractions and stresses of everyday life, prayer becomes an intimate, personal closeness with God.
As hunters, we often find ourselves captive audiences, making our sits a perfect time for praying, planning, and sorting out life.
For the faithful sportsman, taking time to pray from the deer stand is not just a practical routine, but one that bears fruit for the hunt and back at home.
Gratitude List
Thankfulness. Without intentionality, it can be elusive. Amid everything from the death of a close one to the sudden and expensive need for a car repair, we can get pretty down, worrisome, and even angry. Heck, the occasional uncourteous driver can get me squirrelly.
Events, both small and large, can be an emotional runaway train – and if we get mired in it, our serenity and perspective take a shot across the bow. The Bible has a great deal to say about the importance of gratitude.
But back to the word, intentionality. Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to express our gratitude to God for His countless blessings and mercies. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 comes to mind:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Wow, the in all circumstances part can seem daunting. While it often is, I’ve found that I’ve got to simply acknowledge my current blessings before I can even thank Him for them. This is why gratitude lists can be a turnkey solution. Take a journal or simple notebook into the stand and lean into this purposeful task. Heck, write them on the back of your box of 30.06 shells if you have to. I know that for me, this can quickly pave the way to a more grounded, even hopeful outlook.
Purpose-Driven Reading
I don’t know about you but for me, what I mentally ingest determines my outlook, especially in the face of a troubled heart or worrisome brain. If I spend too much time on the likes of social media and sports message boards, I can find myself thinking like a crazy loon.
In his book, “A Purpose Driven Life, ” Rick Warren empowers readers to align their daily decisions and routines with a higher calling, ultimately leading to a life of greater fulfillment, meaning, and impact. For many outdoorsmen, hunting is life. We often arrange all of our affairs around it. Our time off from work is largely dedicated to such monumental things as the whitetail rut, approaching cold fronts, and the new buck that makes an unexpected appearance in front of a game camera.
Your time in the stand is a great opportunity for spiritual-based planning, prioritizing, and prayer. To that end, pack Christian-based literature and a journal.
Reading from the stand is not only a chance to uncover our true God-given purpose, but simply navigate decisions and attitudes regarding our careers, relationships, and spiritual growth.
In my mind, reading from the stand is a worthy endeavor, whether from my smartphone or an old-fashioned hard-copy book. As hunters, we love our hobby but we find ourselves with idle time outdoors. Make it count. Read the Bible, devotionals, and Christian-based articles and books. If you have to stare into your smartphone, consider some of these options digitally instead of video games, political commentary, and YouTube videos. It paves the way for a more authentic and productive frame of mind.
Planning and Prioritizing Life
Do you regularly find yourself planning? I do. While in and of itself, planning is good, it can lead to mental chaos. When I’m riddled with said chaos, I often find I’m overplanning amid competing priorities. Why? Because I’m trying too hard to be in control. I need first to turn over my life planning and prioritization to Him on the front end.
I like Proverbs 16:9 which says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
To me, this means, relinquishing control and asking Him for guidance and intuitive thoughts. He will deliver.
When I do, I can often clearly see the virtue of planning an upcoming family day or tackling lingering chores over hitting the deer lease for a day of scouting or hanging new trail cameras.
There is more than one way to skin a cat. Some folks make to-do lists on paper or smartphones. Others can plan and prioritize in their head. For the record, I fall in the first group… Either way, approach your organization first through prayer. A hunting stand is an ideal setting; an opportunity.
Journaling
I like to write. From blog posts and articles to sticky tabs filled with undone chores and unfulfilled goals, a pen or pencil is always within easy reach. Journaling is not only a satisfying practice for me, it is a great jumpstart to leading a spiritual life, both planned and impromptu.
Not to be confused with a diary, a personal journal can be a significant and beneficial spiritual practice for Christians. Collecting thoughts via pen and pencil provides for self-reflection, allowing them to process their thoughts and emotions through the lens of their faith.
Do you often grapple with doubts and decisions? I do. If you’re not averse to writing things down, journal from the stand between game sightings. If your hunts are like many of mine, the lulls are not uncommon.
Finally, writing can be a form of prayer, a conversation with the Creator. As mentioned above, it’s an opportunity for garnering and expressing gratitude.
Regardless of how hardcore you are about the hunt itself, remember that you’re a captive audience. Use some of your waiting time to soothe hard decision points, guilt, and feelings of bewilderment. If you hunt like me, you regularly arrive at your stand extra early, leaving extra time for meaningful thought and reflection.
Do you feel guilty if you quickly halt your reading, journaling, or prayer the second a buck enters your sight? I used to struggle with this. Don’t. You have a God that loves you, knows your heart, and has a sense of humor.
