Of Quivers and Arrows

I was cleaning out my garage yesterday and I came across an old quiver. Those of you who are fond of the stick and string method of “blood letting” on deer know what I’m talking about. The quiver just didn’t look right, so I found a handful of carbon arrows and stuck them in it. I think it made the quiver smile! Well, actually it made me smile because it got me to thinking about archery season. I know that it’s a good ways away, but I have extra reason to smile this year. My smile is a little more toothy than usual because one of my best friends invited me to archery hunt with him in Kansas this fall if I get drawn (In the name of Jesus, Lord please let me draw a tag this year... ) Sorry, I have to pray every time I even think about it!
As I looked at the quiver, I remembered the verse where the Psalmist wrote, “blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” The “them” that the Psalmist is referring to is children. In the verses preceding this one, the Bible calls children a “heritage from the Lord” and likened them to arrows. Many might read Psalm 127 and take from it that the man who has lots of youngans is a blessed man. Well, blessed he may be, but to someone reading this verse years ago it was viewed in a much different light.
We must remember that the Psalmist, Solomon, is talking here about how we spend our time. He is quick to tell us that unless the Lord is in it, the time we spend is in vain. People of that day had all made arrows at one time or another. They understood the lengthy process by which it took to complete the making of arrows. The arrow maker would have to travel many miles to find the right wood to make the arrow, split the wood to make the shafts, and sand the wood to shape the arrow. Next the maker would straighten the arrows, add a nock, and add a point using sinew from an animal that had already been killed. Finally, the archer would attach bird feathers for fletching. The process from beginning to end took a great amount of time. But, taking the time was a must if the maker wanted the arrow to be effective. Solomon is comparing the arrow making to spending time with kids – and blessed is the man who puts time in with the kids that God has brought into his life (whether they are yours or not).
Imagine if the arrow maker decided to skip any part of the process to make an arrow. The end result would be that the arrow would not fly in the direction you shot it – ultimately missing its mark. That’s putting it in terms that any bow hunter can understand. Take time with your arrows to ensure that they fly straight. Not just those inscribed with Easton getting ready for the upcoming season, but those called Johnny and Billy, Susie and Sarah, or whatever the names of the ones in your life’s quiver. These are the most important arrows – taking time with them get’s them ready for the seasons of life.
Recently a buddy of mine named Lonnie took his son to a local archery tournament. His son, 8 year old Gabe Hinceman (pictured above) hit the mark with his arrows and took home first place in the Pee Wee Division. Lonnie is a proud daddy to say the least. Lonnie is not just proud because Gabe won the tournament, but because he loves his kids. After all, he’s in the arrow making business – and you are too!

Happy Father’s Day to all you arrow makers – May all your arrows fly straight - God Bless!