Posted by
GeorgeBruno on Monday, September 08, 2008 1:51:40 PM
I was invited to speak to a men's group recently. The dramatic monologue was entitled "Lessons from the Creek Side". It was more about the lessons that children learn while fishing. More character and life lessons are learned in one day of fishing than in any other activity. There are 21 specific lessons in a day of fishing.
The list includes Patience, Problem-Solving, Respect for Nature, Cooperation with Others, Dealing with the Unexpected, Self-Sufficiency, Rewards for work, and 14 other valuable lessons dealing with character and life. For instance, he showed how fishing helps one develop a respect for nature. "There are laws that guide what size fish we can take home. If a certain fish is too small, you release it to grow bigger, spawn, and continue to be part of the ecological balance. When you release it, you try to do no harm while removing the hook and gently reintroduce it into the water. This insures that it will live and thrive." Another lesson is one in honesty and respect for the law. "You teach children that there are fishing rules and regulations and they are enforced by game wardens.
Even though there may not be a warden checking your catch, it is up to the individual to honor and abide by those laws even when no one is looking. That is called integrity. The other lessons include:
Planning
Preparation
Dealing with the unexpected
Mechanical Skills
Maintenance
Cooperation with others
Respect for others
Patience
Problem solving
Fine Motor Skills
Restraint
Emergency Preparedness
Respect for Nature
Honesty
Law-Abiding
Marketing Skills
Dealing with Disappointment
Adapt and Improvise
Self Sufficiency
Reward for work
Gratitude
Parents...take your kids fishing. As any true fisherman knows, when you take your kids fishing, it's not really the fish you're after.
Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from ya!