Patience can sometimes be misconstrued in certain situations. It can be compared to one being laid back or carefree. Maybe even with laziness or indecision. There’s a drastic difference, though. Nonetheless, we all lack having it to some degree. Instant gratification does not exist here. So, throw that out the window. Although, I love every part of it and feel gratified soon as I step foot on ground here.

I find being patient challenging, yet effective, if I slow down long enough to try it. I have grown as I’ve aged to have a little more patience and to simply let things happen. I’m still a man and try to fix, make, and create. That’s okay in a lot of cases, even necessary. But, I have learned that control isn’t always the best option in every situation. Having patience as a hunter/man and letting things happen, instead of trying to force it, can turn great results. Letting wild animals do what they do and patiently getting in the mix can produce. This can definitely be applied to life in general, also.

In the mountains of the West, life slows down. They make the world seem big again. (Like, when I was a kid.) As my wife described it, “massive”. You can see forever and it takes even longer to get there. I feel as though, I have nowhere to be at any certain time and nothing requires attention other than my boot laces. It’s like the world of concrete and bills doesn’t exist.

My stay here is short and it’s always over way too soon. But, I only concern myself with the task at hand. I am no longer preparing for this adventure. Not planning out my work week and running wide open to get it all done. No kids to tend to. No bills to pay or paperwork on my desk I feel the need to go through. As mentally and physically exhausting this is, it’s easy, compared to every day life. This is my reset button. A time I reflect back on my life and oftentimes learn the most about myself. I was raised in church, I go to church, but this is my sanctuary. Elk hunting and the beauty is what brings me here. I love the thrill of the chase on such raw landscape. However, I meet God here while wandering these mountains on foot, far away from modern civilization, politics, and the ugliness of the world.

I often make the comment, “I’m not sure what I want to do when I grow up”. It is possible that I will discover what that is with a little patience. Among all the things that the mountain teaches, patience is the most valuable.

“Patience is a good hunter” -Will Primos