“They just put a deer head in the back of the car.” Not a usual text to my kids. Still, it was true. I could see antlers sticking out of the bag.

My beloved had killed his first deer (an eight-point) and was having it processed. The body was at the butcher being prepped to share with a family at church. We were taking the head to the taxidermist. Hence my text about it being in the back.

The hunt had been anticipated for weeks. My beloved’s guide and friend, Andrew, was both experienced and knowledgeable-practically a ninja in the forest. Every “i” had been dotted, every “t” had been crossed. They eagerly awaited the day.

Last Saturday morning, the first day of the muzzle-loader season for deer, my camo-clad man ventured out into the darkness to harvest his first buck. He met Andrew and headed into the mountains on a side-by-side.

The fog was thick, but my beloved was not afraid. Andrew knew the way. It was pitch dark, but there was no concern. Andrew had been there before. Traveling over hill and dale, up narrow mountain paths, there was no fear. Andrew carried a tiny light and had the plan. They trekked to the blind one Andrew himself had built. When the sun rose, the view was breathtaking. My beloved put his trust in Andrew and they went on the adventure of a lifetime.

In the New Testament, when Jesus called the disciples to follow Him, they had no idea what they were getting into, but He did. They didn’t know where they were going, but He knew the way. When things looked dark, He was their light. Over uncertain paths, uphill and down, Jesus could be trusted. He was their guide. He took them on an adventure of epic proportions.

In the Old Testament, God often compelled His people to be careful to follow His decrees and hold fast to Him (Deut. 13:4). They were blessed when they followed Him closely. Countless times, they lost their footing in life when they didn’t.

In Isaiah 43:2-3, the LORD spoke, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” He has all the bases covered. He has the plan. He is the guide who never leaves.

My beloved hasn’t stopped telling the story of his first deer hunt. We, too, will have tales to tell as we follow God’s leading.

P.S. I learned many things at the taxidermist. We are still discussing where we will hang the deer head.