Sharing the joy!
So, when I was young I would hear about the joy of giving and how it was better than what you received. I being naive liked getting gifts, but wasn't always in the mood of giving. This included time, I really struggled with never having enough time.
Now, I am retired (blessed), and don't know how I got anything done while working, I still don't have enough time. That being said, now I don't have enough time because of the choices I make, not forced upon me.
I have chosen to volunteer in my small (Mineral / East Lewis County) community. I joined the Lion's Club and work at our food bank. All of that being said it isn't meant to brag about myself but to set the rest of the story.
My passion is fishing (after faith and family) and I love to share it! So, as part of the Mineral Lake Lion's Club we put on and volunteer with WDFW Kids Fish Pond. This past week we set-up the pond at Morton Elementary (Monday-Tuesday) and then quick move and re-setup at Mossyrock Elementary (Thursday-Friday), then take down and return the tank.
During the school hours we (2 adults and 7 high school kids that volunteered) gave 325+ kids at Morton and 375+ kids at Mossyrock the chance to experience fishing, catching and taking a fish home for dinner. And this filled my heart with PURE JOY! The squeals, the laughter, the jumping around and the shouts of "I CAUGHT ONE"! The chasing a flopping trout on the ground, squeezing it for dear life until I killed it. Then they took their prize to the cleaning table. I can now attest that the bulk of rural kids are more attuned with where their food comes from. Many of these kids, even at kindergarten age, watched with interest and asked many questions while their fish was being cleaned. Some touching eyes and guts!
Their SMILES said it all!
One of the other things that I was able to share with both groups of high school kids was that you don't have to use bait to catch a lot of fish! Since it was up to us volunteers we used "Trout Magnet jigs" and my tide jigs (until the last couple hours on the last day). I was able, on lunch break, show the high schoolers how to set up and rig indicators. One teacher had brought a fly rod and showed those waiting how to cast. It was awesome!
While I gave my time, I received my heart being filled with happiness and joy! To the point of emotions welling up while sharing some of the high points with my wife before flopping into the couch.
I don't know if my volunteer apron will ever be the same, but my fish bonker got a work out!
Now, I am understanding and that I received far more than I gave. Since then I have received two smile filled waves from little kids saying "Hi Mr. Fish Guy!" and "Can I coming fishing with you again!?".
So, I just wanted to share... and say if you get a chance volunteer to share your passion with little kids! Have fun doing it, watch as you give a fish a kiss, and watching them laugh, run away and giggle because your silly!
Anyway... have a great fall and many tight lines!
So, when I was young I would hear about the joy of giving and how it was better than what you received. I being naive liked getting gifts, but wasn't always in the mood of giving. This included time, I really struggled with never having enough time.
Now, I am retired (blessed), and don't know how I got anything done while working, I still don't have enough time. That being said, now I don't have enough time because of the choices I make, not forced upon me.
I have chosen to volunteer in my small (Mineral / East Lewis County) community. I joined the Lion's Club and work at our food bank. All of that being said it isn't meant to brag about myself but to set the rest of the story.
My passion is fishing (after faith and family) and I love to share it! So, as part of the Mineral Lake Lion's Club we put on and volunteer with WDFW Kids Fish Pond. This past week we set-up the pond at Morton Elementary (Monday-Tuesday) and then quick move and re-setup at Mossyrock Elementary (Thursday-Friday), then take down and return the tank.
During the school hours we (2 adults and 7 high school kids that volunteered) gave 325+ kids at Morton and 375+ kids at Mossyrock the chance to experience fishing, catching and taking a fish home for dinner. And this filled my heart with PURE JOY! The squeals, the laughter, the jumping around and the shouts of "I CAUGHT ONE"! The chasing a flopping trout on the ground, squeezing it for dear life until I killed it. Then they took their prize to the cleaning table. I can now attest that the bulk of rural kids are more attuned with where their food comes from. Many of these kids, even at kindergarten age, watched with interest and asked many questions while their fish was being cleaned. Some touching eyes and guts!
Their SMILES said it all!
One of the other things that I was able to share with both groups of high school kids was that you don't have to use bait to catch a lot of fish! Since it was up to us volunteers we used "Trout Magnet jigs" and my tide jigs (until the last couple hours on the last day). I was able, on lunch break, show the high schoolers how to set up and rig indicators. One teacher had brought a fly rod and showed those waiting how to cast. It was awesome!
While I gave my time, I received my heart being filled with happiness and joy! To the point of emotions welling up while sharing some of the high points with my wife before flopping into the couch.
I don't know if my volunteer apron will ever be the same, but my fish bonker got a work out!
Now, I am understanding and that I received far more than I gave. Since then I have received two smile filled waves from little kids saying "Hi Mr. Fish Guy!" and "Can I coming fishing with you again!?".
So, I just wanted to share... and say if you get a chance volunteer to share your passion with little kids! Have fun doing it, watch as you give a fish a kiss, and watching them laugh, run away and giggle because your silly!
Anyway... have a great fall and many tight lines!
