OUTDOOR TRUTHS: Adapt

By Gary Miller

There’s a lot of packing when you take a hunting trip that lasts several days. And the weather report might be the most important factor when deciding what to take. As I began to pack for this last trip, I really just went through the motions. I had made this trip so many times, I had packing down to a fine art. Several weeks before my trip, I begin making the list of everything I need to bring. A few days before I leave, I begin gathering it all together in a few places. I like this approach because I’m not rushing just hours before I leave. This year was no different. I did what I always do, except I neglected to check the weather until I had everything gathered up. Then things changed. I found out it was going to be unseasonably warm, and it was going to rain most of my time there.

Now my mind begins to race and reorganize. What I had planned for, and prepared for, now had to be changed- or at least thought out one more time. I decided that my tree stand needed to be replaced with a ground blind and my cold weather gear needed to be replaced with a rain suit and plenty of extra clothes that I might need to stay dry. So, I quickly adapted, made the trip, and was glad I made my last-minute changes. I even arrowed a nice buck on the last day out of my ground blind. I did the Clint Eastwood thing. I adapted, improvised, and overcame.               

If there is one characteristic that marks successful people, it is the ability to adapt. Rarely do things go as planned. And if they do go as planned now, there will come a time when those same plans will lead to a different outcome. I mean while you and I may not want to change our ways, a changing world will demand it if we are to keep up. Or if we are to fulfill our purpose. As Christians, we are to be salt and light to the world we find ourselves in. I know this may cause a rub, but I want to remind you that striving to change our world is honorable and worthwhile. But don’t forget that our true call is to adapt. It is to add our salt and light to any environment we find ourselves in. And when we understand that we can make all the plans we want without being afraid to change them. Because adapting isn't a change of plans. Adapting is part of the plan.

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 24 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org.