We all need a hobby of some kind. Mind you, hobbies can take over your life, and that’s not a good idea.

But we all need something we enjoy that will take us away from the hustle and bustle of life so we can relax.

At this stage in life, my hobbies are golf, fishing, reading and gardening. Any of these can feel like work, but they also are things that I deeply enjoy.

Recently I went fishing and had one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As soon as I set the hook, I knew it was a good fish. But until it surfaced I did not realize how big it was.

It took more than five minutes before I got my first glimpse at the bass. In the meantime, I adjusted the drag on my reel, kept the rod tip up and hoped for the best.

And then I saw her. Mouth wide open, she poked her head out of the pond. I gasped and then my heart rate went ballistic.

A few minutes later, my friend dipped the net in the water, and I had caught an 11-pound bass. We whooped and hollered for a minute. Then pictures were taken and measurements were made.

Finally, I placed her back in the water and watched her swim away. By now she should have laid the eggs she was carrying that day. What an adrenaline rush that was!

The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

It is no accident that three of my four hobbies involve the great outdoors. I do enjoy seeing what God has made.

All of his creation reminds us of his goodness and his greatness. And he has given it to us for our benefit. He has also charged us to care for it.

I want to be faithful to the Lord for the little patch of ground he has entrusted to me. And I want to enjoy the marvelous creation he has made for us all.

As you look around today, I pray that you will be careful to give God the glory and honor that he so richly deserves. I pray that you will see his hand in all that he has made.

And I pray that you will give your life wholly to him.