Charlie was an old-timer who had spent many years in the bush. I say was because 50 years ago, back in the days when I knew him, he seemed to be ancient. I cannot imagine him still living.
Charlie was a crusty old curmudgeon of a character. He could out walk, outtalk, out fight, out cuss and outwork just about everyone he ever met. He could build a fire out of almost nothing, and his skills as a fisherman and hunter were the stuff of legend.
Someone told me that there had once been a Mrs. Charlie, but he never mentioned her to the best of my recollection. It was the sort of thing you did not ask him about. If you wanted tall tales or practical advice about survival in the bush, he would gladly talk about those topics. Anything more personal was off-limits.
Charlie had been a hunter, fisherman, trapper, logger, and prospector at various times. His multiple occupations usually kept him miles from civilization, often on his own. Over the years, there were many occasions where Charlie had to depend on his wits and survival skills to survive.
Charlie had walked away from more than one bush plane crash. He had walked more than 200 miles through the virgin forest after a lightning bolt had left him without a usable canoe.
There were several things Charlie never left home without. Charlie carried a roll of brass snare wire, a sharp pocketknife and a hunting knife in a sheath on his belt. In his pockets were a couple of bandannas, numerous boxes of waterproof matches, a small candle and a compass. He kept some fishing line, flies, and simple hooks in an old breath mint can. Lastly, he carried a battered, old Winchester, lever action .22 with at least a box of ammunition.
There was always plenty of gear besides those things, but Charlie told me that he felt naked in the bush without those constant companions. He believed in being prepared, and it had been the difference between life and death for him more than once.
I feel that Charlie and King David would have gotten along well. David knew what it was like to be out there on his own for long periods. They would have differed in one area. I do not remember Charlie ever once mentioning the Lord unless it was as an expletive.
David travelled with constant companions as well. He had a sling, a staff and undoubtedly a knife of some form.
King David also had an even more powerful companion. David seldom travelled very far without keeping the Lord close at hand. There were times when David drifted, but he always found the Lord close at hand when he looked for Him.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead. Psalm 86:8-13
The best companion you can have on any journey is the Lord. Until next time, make sure He goes with you.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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