OUTDOOR TRUTHS: Balance
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If you want deer on your trail cameras this time of year, then make sure you have a salt or trace mineral block out if your game laws allow. Because sodium is often lacking in spring and summer vegetation, the deer will seek these spots to fill that lack. And if you notice, most of the time they are more interested in the ground around the block than the block itself. As the sodium melts into the soil, the soil becomes a bowl of mineral cereal that deer love. Bucks need it to help build antler growth and does need it to help provide minerals to their recently birthed fawn. But just as salt creates thirst for us, it also does that for the deer. So, water is crucial this time of year as well. It’s all about balance. Food, supplements, and water. And just enough of each.
I’m reminded of a man who bought a parrot from a pet store. After several days, the bird still hadn’t said a word. Concerned, the man returned to the store. “Maybe he’s lonely,” the owner suggested. “Buy him a mirror.” The man did, but the parrot remained silent.
A few days later, he returned. “Maybe he needs something to do,” said the owner. “Try a ladder and a swing.” The man bought both. Still no words. Finally, the pet store owner suggested a larger cage. The man purchased it and went home. Several weeks later, the owner ran into the man at the grocery store. “How’s that parrot doing?” he asked.
The man lowered his head. “Unfortunately, he died.” “He died? Did he ever say anything?”
“Yes,” the man replied. “Right before he died, he said, ‘Didn’t that pet store sell any food?’” If I could teach Christians one thing about living around unbelievers, it would be the lesson of balance. It would be that influence is more important than instruction, and experience is more impactful than theology. Jesus said we are to be salt and light. Salt adds flavor. But too much salt is bitter. Light adds clarity and illumination, But too much light blinds. The impact of Jesus on our lives came as someone brought the right amount of flavor and clarity on the person of Jesus. And this balance is still the way. Any other approach is like providing a restaurant, when the real need is just a sandwich.
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■ Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 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.
