My family returned from Hayward Wisconsin last Saturday, after having spent a week fishing on a large body of water called Chippewa Flowage.

Back around the 1920’s, Wisconsin government officials placed a dam on a large river in the area, which caused the connection of numerous small lakes and streams. This created about 200 miles of shoreline within Chippewa (with each body of water connecting to others in an amazing manner.)

To catch fish, we were equipped with nightcrawler worms, fishing lures of all sizes, and leeches. We hoped to catch pan fish and, if lucky, maybe something much larger. The lake is known for many different kinds of fish: Bluegills, perch, crappie, bass, northern, walleye, and muskie. We caught dozens of bluegills and other small fish.

We practiced catch and release, as we did not want to end the life of anything we caught.

It was interesting to me that, of the nine people on the trip, only my daughter decided to fish with a very small fishing lure called a jig. This type of lure has a tiny hook.

Much to our delight, using this smallest of lures, our daughter caught a very large northern fish, probably approaching two feet in length. She was so excited, as were the rest of us.

This made me reflect on the fact that even the smallest of our gifts can bring large results in God’s hands. Whether it be a smile, a call to a friend, helping someone pick up something that was dropped, or similar gestures of caring, those on the receiving end can find their spirits lifted.

God does not expect us necessarily to do great things in life, but do the small things well, being His working hands in a world so in need of His love. May we act accordingly and brighten someone’s day.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek