Casting, Christmas & The Art of Fly Fishing

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

So I can’t seem to get this verse out of my head this week. Humor me as I relive an afternoon from my childhood.I’ll get to the point, as Ellen DeGeneres says, “And I do have one…”
When my brother and I were young, we’d explore the world on our bicycles. The most exciting adventures began when Dad hopped on his bike and let us follow along like ducklings. Much to my mother’s chagrin, we’d first cruise the heavily trafficked thoroughfares until we reached a quieter country road. This particular road was paved, and lined with trees and fields and leaves and butterflies and pebbles. Toward the end of our journey we’d come across a creek. At this point, we’d pull our bikes off the road, rest them in the grass, yank off socks and sneakers. The water before us was an unknown treasure trove of creatures.
I’d set out in search of a stick, something straight and sturdy. Something that resembled Opey Taylor’s fishing rod from the intro to The Andy Griffith Show. My brother would dig in his pockets for string. We’d fashion our own fishing pole from the rudimentary elements available. It was no trouble finding worms, -- and once Dad informed me worms have no nervous system, and therefore feel no pain when being attached to a hook – it was no trouble fixing bait. (Although I’m not quite sure why this information was comforting to me, as the worm’s destiny included being eaten alive.) Nevertheless, the three of us would spend an afternoon wading in the creek, trying to catch fish with our fishing rod. When our handcrafted pole proved futile, we’d catch tiny fish by cupping our hands together. The water was fairly murky, but sometimes we’d feel a craw fish skitter over our feet. If we were lucky, we’d snatch the critter before it scurried off under the bridge. Of course the fun was in the catching, we’d always release the creatures back to their habitat. (Much to our mother’s joy and happiness…) Then back to our bikes, the trek home, and a nice loooooong sudsy bath.
During college, my brother traded sticks and string for rods and reels. He’s become quite the fisherman, and quite the artist creating masterful fly ties. (Who knew bait hooks could be so intricately ornate?) There is something awe inspiring about fly-fishing. (I feel I must insert a shameless plug for the film A River Runs Through It…the cinematic photography captures the intrinsic, almost musical, beauty of casting the fly…) My brother has tried to teach me the art of fishing, to no avail. I’m not what you would call a “natural.” Sure, I can bait a hook with an earthworm…I’m a bit squeamish with other creepy crawlers. But I’m beyond horrible when it comes to casting. I try to wave the fishing pole in a graceful circle above my head and release the line to sail toward the waters. It just doesn’t happen. Either a few inches of the line releases, and the worm dangles from the top of my pole. Or twenty feet of the line releases, wraps around my body, and the worm hooks firmly to my clothing.
So, getting to my point…and I promise I have one. I was pondering this verse about casting. And thinking that the act of casting involves throwing the object away from you, not keeping it close, not wrapping it tighter around you so that you are enmeshed. But hurling it far away. I think that’s what God wants us to do with our fear, our worries, the stuff that keeps us awake at night. I think He wants us to take that anxiety, and hurl it from our backs –as far away as possible-- on to His capable hands. And then we wait. (I’m reminded of a verse in I Samuel 22:3 where David is fleeing from Saul and he asked the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” – David knew God would sustain him.) And He will sustain us. He will keep us going.
This bit about casting isn’t only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you. What a powerful message, over the course of thousands of years. And while we’re in I Peter, one more verse in closing: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (I Peter 3:15)
And that reason, that answer, that hope is Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas.