Staying on Target

I prefer to shoot with iron sights but I know I shoot more accurately and with more confidence when I use a scope on my rifle. When hunting, I always want to make sure my shot is as good as it possibly can be, not only to make sure it hits my target but to also make an ethical shot. With that said, I know my limitations and my preferences, so I use a scope 95% of the time when hunting.

Anybody that has experience with a scoped firearm knows that it is not as simple as attaching your scope and then going to hunt. You have to carefully attach your scope and then you have to align the scope on your rifle so the bullet hits where you aim at a certain distance. This process is known as zeroing, or sighting in. Additionally, you have to make sure that you keep your scope sighted in because your scope can lose alignment if you are not careful or if you change certain variables like the type of ammunition you are shooting.

This process of checking your zero (making sure you are still aligned and on target) reminds me of my constant struggle to stay on the right track spiritually. Let’s face it, life can be pretty busy. I am a husband, a father, work full-time at a local hospital, serve as the Treasurer for my church, and manage Orange County Outdoors Ministry. Oh, and I do like to hunt in my “free time.” I know a lot of people have schedules just like mine.

During these busy times, it is so easy to forget to pray or to skip that daily devotional. Sometimes, it is easier to stay in bed and rest on a Sunday instead of heading to church.

Thankfully, I have learned to recognize when I am off track and I have learned the habits that help me to “check my zero and realign my sights.” For one, quiet time in the morning is a big help. Whether that means an early morning workout or an early morning in the deer stand, when I start my day off with quiet thought, it helps me to center myself. Another trick for me is to keep a bible or devotional book at my desk at work. Before I start my workday or during lunch, I will read for 5-10 minutes and that helps me to generate ideas. Lastly, one of the fastest ways for me to get back on track is to move my butt from the couch to the church pew. Being surrounded by the good people in my church is a blessing.

God bless,

Rob