“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

Tedd and I had a unique opportunity in January to hunt tundra swan in Hyde Co. with one of OHT’s board members. We were treated to outstanding food (i.e. oysters, grilled chicken, chocolate chess pie, etc…), good accommodations (the cabin was within walking distance of famed Lake Mattamuskeet) and incredible shooting (see above photo). Our host went out of his way to make sure this outing was memorable.

On the morning of the hunt our friend drove us to the levy where our pit was located. After giving us instructions about turning on the pump and how to place the spread, the board member left to park the truck. Since Tedd and I had our marching orders, we headed to the pit, grabbed a couple of dozen decs and started into the field. However when I stepped into what I thought was knee-deep water (we had been told the impoundment was very shallow) I found myself up to my armpits with agua pouring over the top of my waders. I quickly did a little panic-induced breast stroke and got back on dry ground safe, but soaked.

As I tried to regain a little composure after my surprise dunking, I looked to my left and in the pre-dawn light saw two wooden survey stakes in front of our pit. (One is visible in the picture under Tedd’s left hand .) I deduced that they held some importance and yelled, “TC, I think we’re supposed to walk between those stobs.” And I was right. The stakes marked a 10 foot wide path that was covered with only shin-deep water which allowed Tedd to breeze over the bar ditch nice and dry.

There was only one way to enter the impoundment and any other effort ended up with wet waders.

Here’s the point. Many in our culture believe Jesus to be a good teacher; maybe even an example to imitate. But He never left His identity in doubt. His words in Matthew’s account are hard and harsh, but truth sometimes is both. There is exclusiveness to His teaching – Jesus says He is THE way to the Father and eternal life and yet few find Him. Why? Because Christ demands everything. Not a few hours on Sunday or a couple of dollars for the plate or a perfunctory prayer over a meal. No God, as Bonheoffer said, bids us come and die in order to find life. And the only way to life is through the Son, period.

So learn from my example – when the path is clearly marked, take it. You’ll arrive on the other side safe and in my case, dry.

Blessings to you boys,
Joel Mc