“One More Step”

By Mark A. Jarrell, Chairman Almost Heaven Archers

          Just one more step…all you have to take is one more little step.  “Come on, come on, take it”, I whispered.  My heart was pounding out of my chest.  Holding the draw was starting to take its toll and my arm was beginning to shake like an earthquake had hit.  The buck was the largest I had ever pulled my bow on and I was coming apart at the seams.  His vitals were directly behind what had become the biggest tree in Jackson County and I needed him to move just a little bit more. 

          The row of rubs and scrapes that I had found on this oak covered flat just three weeks earlier were the cause of my predicament.  I had done my homework and the result of time in the woods, time scouting, time preparing and time in my tree stand was standing a mere fifteen yards away – behind a tree, like a statue.  The three weeks since my discovery had been filled with anticipation of this very moment.  The scrapes and rubs had told me he wasn’t the typical type of deer that I usually hunt in my part of the world.  This guy was a “good one” and I had been given an opportunity that was very personal and privileged.

          The anticipation of this encounter had consumed me.  During the day I thought about all of the possibilities of coming face to face with this incredible creature.  At night, to tell you the truth, I just couldn’t sleep.  I kept thinking…how big was he?  Did I have him patterned correctly?  Was the tree I had picked out the right one for my stand?  Did I clear enough shooting lanes?  Did I clear too many?  Am I shooting well enough?  Am I ready?

          Big guy - just go ahead and take a step…please.

          The reality of this encounter far exceeded my anticipation.  The beauty and magnificence of this buck was beyond anything I had experienced in the woods.  As I watched him make his way down the flat, checking his scrape line and now so close I could almost touch him, I was in awe at his presence and understood I had been granted something exceptionally unique.   All of the pieces of the puzzle were coming together and now it was my turn to make a difference.

          “Big guy – just go ahead and take a step…please”.  I heard it plain as day that Wednesday night, have you?  My heart was beating so fast I felt as if I had climbed a mountain with a full pack and on a dead run.  There wasn’t any deer in front of me this time but my whole body strained with excited anticipation.  My name had been called by the Master of the Ultimate Hunt and as a high school senior I had the opportunity to choose to accept or deny His son as my personal Savior and Lord.  This was only my fifth time ever in a church but I knew it was a moment which would define my life. 

          Each one of us will have a special time which is both privileged and personal.  You will have an encounter in which God speaks to you through His Holy Spirit and you will be jolted alert.  The magnificence of Jesus Christ will stand before you – face to face – and you won’t be asked to knock an arrow, pull a bow, look at a sight or release a string.  The only thing you will be asked to do is accept a gift (John 3:16-17).  It’s not hard to accept a gift is it?  The anticipation of unconditional love, anticipation of unmerited favor, anticipation of total forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) and anticipation of eternity in heaven (John 5:24) will quicken your heart and stir your soul.  You won’t be dreaming because it’s real!  He’s calling you so, seize the moment!    

          The joyous anticipation of the moment of truth seemed like it was for eternity.  As I strained to hold both bow and composure I focused on the spot where the big buck would move.  In seconds he relaxed and took two quick steps out from behind the tree.  Instinctively I found the spot, released and the arrow flew…anticipation was over.  The moment had come and gone, had I seized it?  As my legs went weak I had to sit down and analyze what had just happened.  Amazing…

          What about your anticipated encounter with Jesus Christ?  It’s coming and the opportunity you will have will be eternal.  May your hunt be anticipated joy, but…

          Big guy – just go ahead and take a step…please!