It’s been over six months since I last posted a journey, either a fishing trip or just a simple drive through nature. On this past July 21st I took a drive through Mt. Charleston to reset my mind on those things in my life that matter most to me: my relationships with our Lord, my wife, and our extended family.
The primary reason for the dearth of adventures has been my degrading physical capacities, in particular my balance and strength while walking. I understand aging and trust that the Lord still has plans for my life, but I confess I do not enjoy the aging process (does anyone?). Still, I need to continually honor Him, our Lord Jesus, the Christ. I draw on His love and power every day, and I witness Him where I can. I continue to do what my body allows me to, but it doesn’t seem near enough compared to a year or two ago.
So, I find myself reading scripture more often. Not because I need to remind myself that I am a child of God, adopted through the blood of Christ on the cross, but because the Word of God gives me peace and fortifies my desire to do what is mine to do at this stage of life. I have no choice but to accept this “crown of splendor.”
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)
Not only am I feeling old, but our family has also experienced some difficulties and relocations, which are not unusual nor unexpected given what we see in other large families. Three of our sons live out of town now. Since travel is more difficult for me, we don’t see each other as often as we used to. One of those sons recently had an accident while travelling abroad, and although he seems well on his path to a full recovery, the accident was extremely serious, more so than we would have liked. I remain forever thankful to friends and family that prayed alongside us during that time. Unfortunately, these and other lesser issues have strained family ties. Rather than succumbing to anxiety, or even depression, I needed a “reset” to remind myself that while I have been blessed throughout my life, our Lord still has plans for this old body, and that my elderly role is to continue reflecting the light of Christ to those who need to see it.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4
I would assume that most non-Southern Nevada readers are not aware of three amazing natural attractions well within an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are attached by virtue of the Spring Mountains Range. Both offer natural features one could find in southern Utah or even the Rocky Mountains of Colorado (but on a smaller scale of course). The lesser known Desert National Wildlife Refuge provides a much more rustic adventure along the old Mormon Well and Alamo roads, where amazing wildlife can be observed, especially the Desert Bighorn sheep (high clearance, four wheel drive recommended). Some of my blog readers might recall the Spring Mountains have two tiny creeks that contain self-supporting populations of Rainbow and Lahontan Cutthroat trout (search this blog for Cold Creek and Carpenter Creek). I didn’t discover all these treasures until I was in college at UNLV, when my high school friend, Kevin McGoohan, and I began to explore nature in southern Nevada.
So I admit it, I am slowing down as I approach my 70th birthday, but I continue to keep focused on the promises of our Lord.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 4:16 to 5:5
Being retired and physically infirm, I have been spending more time, quality time, reading scripture in my Bible and praying for my extended friends and family. For whatever time I have been granted here in my earthly body, I will do my best to remain the brother and patriarch who reflects the loving promises of God. I admit I did not understand that role when we began our family, but it is much clearer now. And as I finish out that role, I still hope to have a few more leisurely fishing excursions in my future. But the Lord has made it clear that they will be different, a little less adventurous.
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 12:12 (NIV)
I leave you with the Lord’s “priestly blessing” that He gave to Moses in the book of Numbers 6:24-27:
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Hey FisherDad I love your blog posts. I’m sorry to hear you feel your body is failing you. I am an avid outdoorsman and fell in love with fly fishing about 3years ago.As a personal trainer one of the other passions is helping retirement age people maintain independence and mobility through strength training. If you are interested in regaining strength and balance then please let me know.
Thank you Ron for reaching out. My present malady is caused by peripheral artery disease with an abdominal thrombosis that required an unusual bypass. In short, the lack of blood circulation in my legs slowly deadens their muscles and nerves. I currently exercise in a gym 3 days per week, but if I need to get back on physical therapy I will reach out to you. Thank you for offering.
Amen to all that you wrote!!!
Thanks Jeannie, for always reading my wanderings and commenting.
Anytime b-I-l!!
Dear Fisherdad,
Thank you for your beautiful posts and reflections on life, particularly on aging. I can relate to your challenges. One day all we will have are the memories we made with those we loved. I feel like an aging athlete, one who knows what move must be made to win, but when the body is pressed to do so, it can no longer respond. Blessings to you and your family.
I get the athlete comment. In my twenties I was a rock climber and cross country skier. All this aging stuff doesn’t calibrate in my mind.
Ricardo, thank you for comments and blessings. May our Lord bless you and keep you.
As always, I enjoy reading your posts and can really associate your struggles with aging. Fortunately, God has granted me an “easy” ageing process and can still do a lot of things at 78. Hang in there, Mark, as God has lots for you to do to give us all hope is what is to come to those who believe in Christ.
Sorry to hear that one of the boys had an accident while out of the country. Will pray for him and the rest of the family.
Do have a wonderful birthday, Mark on the 4th!!! Give my love to Denise as well!
Thank you Karen for your uplifting thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness He is in charge of all.
Hi Mark, Always look forward to seeing a notice in my email that FisherDad has made a new post. Sorry to hear that your fly fishing opportunities have been limited my friend. I’ve been up on the Provo River a few times this summer and I’m headed to the Fremont River near Torrey, UT in September. Stay safe Buddy and take care of yourself.
Rusty, great to hear from you. Catch a nice, fat 20inch+ Brown from the Fremont for me!
Hi Mark,
I love your commitment to being a Christlike example to your family, friends, and readers alike, regardless of the physical markings of age you’re experiencing.
We all experience changes and challenges as we age, and your example is an encouragement and inspiration to me.
Love you, Brother Mark!
– Randy, age 75 😊
Randy, your prayers and encouragement are such a blessing. Our Lord and Savior works all things out in His divine way… how else could such a Christian fellowship like ours ever come to pass without Him. Thank you for sharing your faith with me…
Your brother in Christ
Mark
Dear Brother,
May God bless you with courage and strength. Thinking of you.
Brother Brian, I am so pleased to hear from you. No matter what, life is good, and we can believe in His promise that there is a place for us in heaven:
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” John 14:1-4 NIV
As Jesus said, He is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. All who believe, confess, and repent can count on it.
Much love from Las Vegas to you, Betsy, and Patrick
– Mark
Keep on traveling and keeping and making memories. It’s been many years since we met at Adams McGill and you included me in your article. Now I am 90. Had a serious bike accident 5 years ago which ended my past activities. Can no longer fish, hike or ride my bike due to lack of leg strength and balance. Also have a wife to take care of who has problems. We’ve been blessed with memories of the outdoors which many don’t have. Keep on trucking friend!
Ron,
Meeting you at Wayne Kirch (specifically the Adams-McGill and Dacey reservoirs) remains one of the highlights of my life. I was impressed how you and your wife would make fishing trips in your camper from Santa Barbara into the desolate state of Nevada while in your late 70s. Our talk about your service as an educator and school principal was enlightening, and your willingness to share some of your secret knowledge on fishing those two reservoirs was an example of your kindness and generosity. I do think of you every time I get to go fishing for our lovely trout.
Here’s that memorable blog post featuring you landing that 20+ inch Rainbow trout:
https://www.fisherdad.com/2014/06/01/so-what-does-a-fishing-photo-shoot-look-like/
You and your wife will remain in my prayers,
-Mark, aka FisherDad
Hi Mark. I’m so saddened to hear of your condition. Aging is not easy physically or emotionally as I can attest. I’ve always admired your devotion to God and I know he will help you through the most difficult times. Take care and if you are up to it, please reach out to me if you’d like to catch up.
Hey Kathy, thank you for your kind comments. It’s been a while.
Yes, aging is not for the weak of heart.
I think of you often. I was blessed to have you managing our P&C division, you were so effective.
May He continue to keep you and bless you,
Mark
I LOVE YOU DAD ! THANK FOR THESE BLOG POSTS & BEING SUCH A CAPSTONE IN MY LIFE. YOU HAVE LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND IM GRATEFUL YOU LEAD ME TO CHRIST •
I love you too Doug. Iron sharpens iron, and I have learned from you as well.
May you continue to be blessed.
Love,
Dad
Hi Mark!
Beautiful pictures and beautiful message as always. Your blog is always a highlight in my day. Take good care of yourself. You’re definitely one of the good guys and need to be here for a long time yet!
All the best,
Judy Tuttle
Hey Judy,
I’m glad to hear from you. I always enjoy your uplifting comments and support. I trust all is well with you. Yes, I hope to make it through a few more years, my daughter is a senior in high school so I pray I’ll be here for her as long as the Lord allows.
Prayers and blessings your way.
-Mark