One More Step

My mind often can’t help but envision what life would look like if one step along the way had been altered. No where is that truth more present than in my hunting. Endless scenarios play out in the woods of my imagination that mirror real life encounters, but with subtle adjustments made to the details of the true story. From there, extrapolation is free to frolic towards endless wonderment of the “what could have beens.” What if this stand were hung on that maple instead of this oak? Would that have allowed for a better shot opportunity? What if I hunted a different location all together? What if I hunted yesterday or even tomorrow instead of today?

Whether or not this be a healthy exercise I will leave to the discretion of the reader. There are some instances where such wondering has led to desirable outcomes, but in general (at least for me) this type of thinking leads only to madness. Several specific instances come to mind immediately where the change of a step or the addition of one more could have altered the course of my hunting career.

Daddy always told me that if I saw a doe running during the rut that I should be swift in preparing myself for what might be causing the chase. Notice that he told me about what might be and not what is. Sometimes deer just run, sometimes they are spooked, and sometimes they are being pursued. During the first week of November, I assume a running doe is being pursued and thus plan accordingly. I have yet to meet a deer hunter who does not live for and love the sound of that pursuit. Perhaps, when God created outdoorsmen he set the rhythm of their hearts to the beat of leaves crunching and deadfall snapping. He must have because I feel it in my chest when the pursuit passes by. Each hoof pounding into the earth is echoed through my veins. I am a part of the pursuit, though I do not control it. Inwardly, I can only experience it. Outwardly, I can only react to it.

My only hope is that my presence among the other members of the pursuit goes unnoticed. Many times it has and many times it has not. There is something unnatural about watching this race abruptly halt. All aggression and desire gone. All other purposes forgotten to hone in on the present danger. I am the danger. The pounding of hooves ceased. Heavy breathing remains on all accounts, but not another step. The nostrils of my partners forbid it. Who will move first?

From the perspective of the danger, namely myself, there is no move to be made until the other members of this dance decide to continue. I cannot blame them. It was my own folly to not take more precautions to ease their discomfort. There is no undoing this game now and the only thing between me and glory is the nose of a nanny doe. She alone pressed pause and she will decide when to start again and in what direction. I pray it will be the course they previously set. As I plead, she insists on returning the way she came. Over the ridge she runs and with her my honor and reward.

Her one more step over the imaginary line would have ensured that my reward followed suit and the conclusion of the pursuit reached a noble ending, at least from my perspective it would be noble. Alas, this hunt became a “what could have been” and the madness in my mind ensued.

Other such occasions offer no tale of pursuit, only encounter. A lone buck appears through the undercover and ready to face danger. Bold and brash, he walks the line towards our rendezvous. I forgive his late arrival and prepare to settle debts. I have replayed how this moment would go over and over in my head while waiting for his time to show. However, he too has a plan and will not be bested by the likes of me and my kind. He has faced danger before and laughed as he strolled by it. I am no different to him, just another shape amongst the branches who reeks of desperation. He knows he is desirable. He knows his worth. He proudly displays it aloft his head while searching me out. Slowly he walks, placing one stiff leg out in front of the other. He pauses, checks the air, and grins knowing that I am near.

From my perch within the trees I realize this will be no easy feat. He has gained experience since I saw him last. I have too, yet only incrementally. However, his exposure has allowed for exponential growth. He lives here and knows these woods better than I ever will. I merely stop by to pay my respects throughout the year. Now he is within thirty yards and we both tense with anticipation. I count down the steps as he nears my radius of opportunity. Thirty yards becomes twenty and then no more than a dozen. He is now well within my range, but paused behind a hickory tree.

He now sees me as clearly as I see him. I see only pieces of him though. Half a head with antlers standing tall and one leg poking out from behind the hickory. I also see a white flag raised on the other side of the tree. The rest of him is protected by a shield of bark. One more step, that’s all I need. He won’t give me the satisfaction. He offers one more grin before disappearing, laughing at danger once more.

Empty is the feeling that describes what it is like to drop the hammer slowly instead of letting it freefall towards accolades and splendor. Empty, yet hopeful for the next encounter. One more step was all it would have taken to grab hold of renown. It was again, not meant to be. Madness once more ensues.

Moments like these are, but a couple instances where such stakes were won or in this case lost by the difference one step made. One step separates many hunters from fame. Leaving only the mystery of what could have been. One more step is often what it takes on our part to reveal that mystery. That step looks different for us all, but taking it is what matters.

Whether it be growth in our hunting efforts or spiritual maturity one more step is a common need. One more step could reveal a whole new and untouched area of public hunting opportunity. One more step could also transform a current hunting location by seeing it from a different perspective or vantage point. One more step in faith could lead towards trusting God to supply all your needs. One more step in seeking Him could reveal that He indeed is good and willing to forgive even a multitude of sins.

How dreadful it sounds to not be willing to take that step and miss out on what He might have for us. The stakes are much higher in keeping in step with the spirit as opposed to wishing for that buck to take one more step from behind a hickory tree. The prize is also far greater if we do take one more step towards Christ. The reason the prize is greater is because Christ is our gain. Christ took one giant step from the throne room of Heaven to this little Earth to accomplish the will of the Father (John 6:38). What is the will of the Father? Jesus answers that question very clearly. For instance in John 6:40 Jesus says, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

I believe God's will is for us to see Him for who He truly is. I believe He wants us to treasure Him and seek Him above all. I know that apart from Christ I would not know Him. Jesus says in John 14:6, “...I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

It is impossible for us to be made right before almighty God apart from the saving and soul cleansing work of Christ. He took our sins upon himself that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Meaning when God sees me, He sees Christ and his righteousness that has been imputed to me. I did nothing to earn this. No step was taken on my part to secure my salvation. Yes, I believed this message, but only after God made that possible by sending Jesus. God initiated my salvation, God secures my salvation, and He guarantees my salvation. He brought me near (Ephesians 2:13), He fights for me (Romans 8:31), and He gave me a gift to promise He would not forget me (2 Corinthians 1:22).

Prayer

Father, thank you for taking a step towards us, so that we would know You and have access to You. Help us to lay aside the sins that so easily entangle our hearts (Hebrews 12:1). Forgive us when we wander. Redirect our course. Keep us in step with Christ. Show us where that next step might be. Refine your people, keep changing hearts, and prepare us for the day You will once again step towards us from heaven to gather Your church to its eternal home.

I have confidence that even on my worst days when my feet won’t budge towards God that He is still there to not only correct me, but to open my heart that I would see Him as more beautiful. No extrapolation needs to occur or dreadful wonderment of what my life would be like apart from Him. No steps can now be taken that will put me out of His reach. One more step towards Christ is one more step towards life.

From your current positioning towards God, what could one more step towards Him mean for you? He has already taken many to reach you. He is calling you today. Ready to forgive you today. Ready to heal you and comfort you. He is ready to challenge you and call you to holiness.

A new life in Christ could just be one more step away.