Just before heading off to showers, Luke looked at me with a sense of seriousness and gratitude,

"Arguably, Dad, the best day of my life. Thanks."

Luke, our 13-year-old, had never been Dove hunting before. Finding a spot in Texas isn’t as easy when you’re not from the area, but good friends aren’t far away. We connected with a great guy, and together, we made a plan.

A few days before the hunt, we gathered our equipment. The earlier Luke touched the gear, the more excited he became. Yes, it took longer—he had questions and hadn’t been through the process before—but the act of preparing together built more anticipation.

• 2 boxes of shotgun shells
• 2 used shotguns
• 2 used game bags
• 2 hunting licenses
• 1 five-gallon bucket & 1 fishing stool
• 6 hours in a field with good friends
• 2 bowls of leftover pasta & 2 glasses of lemonade (at day’s end)

Total: $18.75

The day wasn’t about trophies. The birds were a bit scarce, the weather warm, and the bugs plentiful. Most of our time was spent sitting, talking, and watching.

Some of our fellow hunters apologized: “Wish we could’ve gotten you a few more birds.” 

But why…and who cares? I’d just spent one of the best days of my life with one of my sons!

Out there, I got to know Luke in a new way. He shared what he likes and dislikes, his securities and insecurities. And he asked questions I never thought a 13-year-old would ever ask his dad. And I answered, without distraction or hesitation.

That evening, as the sun sank below the horizon and the hunting fields grew dark, we found ourselves at the kitchen counter eating “leftovers” for dinner. We rehashed the missed shots, the conversations, and the thought of “a next time.”

Just before heading off to showers, Luke looked at me with a sense of seriousness and gratitude:

"Arguably, Dad, the best day of my life. Thanks."

Mission accomplished.

The truth is: you don’t need a hunt, vacation, or a special occasion to make that happen. It could be a game of catch, a walk, skipping rocks, or even cleaning the garage. The activity matters less than the intention.

• A trip to school can be a source of encouragement about an upcoming test, not just a ride to school.
• A garage "clean-out" can be about family pride and a job well done, and not just about where to stack the mud boots.
• A game of catch can be a conversation about life and girlfriends, and not just practicing our curve ball.
• And a Dove hunt can be an afternoon listening to your son share his heart about every topic imaginable, and not just time attempting to bag the most birds.

Days like this remind me that it’s never just about the hunt — it’s about the intention behind the time we spend together. Don't wait. I have close friends and family members who would have given anything to experience what Luke and I did, together, but life’s circumstances have prevented it. I hope, by sharing that kind of time with Luke, we’re, in a way, honoring them and their families.

It’s always about the intention.

Remain encouraged.
Brian