hunting | Jessaleighblog

I never thought I would say this, but this week I went hunting with my husband. I wasn’t armed, so I hung out in a hunting blind by myself…

Hunting is a big part of my family. It is seeped with tradition and memories of family members before us. This is something the men in my family could elaborate on further, but every family member can speak to the tradition involved. Prior to last year, Matt had never hunted but he was instantly hooked (more of a fishing term, I suppose). However, this year was his first experience with the Opening Day festivities!

It’s no secret that I am not an outdoorsy person. My version of camping is a hotel room complete with a soaking tub. So needless to say, I was not anticipating this experience to be a positive one. In fact, the only reason I volunteered to go with Matt was because the rest of the men were busy that morning and he was planning to go hunting by himself. Visions of Matt tripping on a branch, accidentally shooting himself, being unable to reach his phone to call for help, dying alone, and being eaten by forest creatures without a trace of his bones left on this earth instantly swirled through my mind. Did I mention I can be over-dramatic at times?

Soooo… I agreed to brave the early morning wake-up call and brisk fall weather to make sure my husband survived the day.

Matt got me settled in my blind, complete with a propane heater and office chair. Compared to other hunting stories I’ve heard, these guys live a pretty luxe hunting life. We also had walkie-talkies that were fun to play with (cut to me making fun noises and generally amusing myself, while annoying Matt). The morning started slowly, with the sun gradually lighting up the woods.

I saw a total of 5 deer throughout the morning. There were two groups: one group of 3 deer, and another group of 2. I also saw a herd (correct term??) of turkeys. While I was more than hesitant to join my husband on this hunting adventure, after sitting in my blind for less than an hour I understood why people enjoy hunting. The peace of God’s presence came over me in a way I have never experienced. Witnessing the deer, birds, and turkeys was only an added bonus to breathing in the nature around me. And of course, as if on cue, it started to snow just as the sun was rising through the trees. The snow was so gentle it reminded me of lace, and I would be lying if I told you an icy cold tear didn’t slide down my cheek in awe of His creation.

His natural beauty reminds me of these verses: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid ~John 14:27

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world ~ John 16:33

While I was sitting in my blind, I took a series of pictures that I would love to share with you. The falling snow was so delicate it’s unnoticeable in these pictures, but I hope you get a sense of my surroundings. I wish I would have taken pictures of the deer feeding by my blind, but I was too busy observing them through my binoculars to snap a picture!