Learning to Provide
The men in my family like to deer hunt. Several of our hunters hit their mark this past week. So we have been busy processing and putting up venison. We treasure the back-strap and tenders. I fry them up like chicken-fried steak. I use almond flour since we are on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. My husband loves to make sausage. And, we eat ground venison like beef.
Hunting is something my boys really enjoy. As much as they like to hunt, the experience teaches them many things. They have to learn to sit and be still and quiet. This is harder for some than others. It gives them time to observe nature and praise the Creator. It teaches patience. I have had to remind my sons on several occasions that the sport is called hunting and not killing for a reason.
Hunting is something that bonds the men in our family. Grandfathers, uncles, fathers, and sons spend time with one another. Last week, my oldest son called me soon after he dropped his target. He said, “Mom, I’m bringing home the bacon.” And that is what I love most about hunting. Young men and/or young women getting to experience the joy of providing for their family.
Earlier this year during dove season, my sons went with their uncles on a day hunt. They came home with the day’s catch already prepared for cooking. The uncles told my sons that the dove were theirs to eat. They did not have to share them. Even though my mouth was watering, I smiled and agreed to uphold the deal.
We wrapped the dove with bacon and placed them on skewers. Then my husband grilled them perfectly. My boys privately decided to share the dove with all of us. Their faces beamed as they surprised each of us with our portion of dove. One confided in me that really was more fun to give than to receive.
There are many ways that you can provide food for your family. You can go to the grocery store like most people. You can raise your own vegetables. You can hunt and fish. You can also raise your own meat.
My son, Jake, recently decided that he wanted to help provide food for his family. He kept this thoughts secret as he carefully considered our needs and his abilities to find a way that he could accomplish his goal. Last week he divulged not only this desire but also his plan to Lane and I.
Jake had already called a local pig farmer and had negotiated to purchase two young hogs. They are not show quality; therefore, they were affordable for Jake. Surprised by this news, my husband agreed to take Jake to the farm to complete the purchase. The farmer selected several pigs from which Jake could choose. Jake thoughtfully selected two and actually secured a better price than what had been discussed on the phone.
When Jake returned home with his pigs, he was beaming. He smiled and shouted, “Merry Christmas, Mom! I’m giving you and Dad your present early!” So now he is raising two pigs in order to help provide meat for his family.
I have no doubt that my boys will be good providers for their future families. They already do an excellent job as children. Regardless of how they provide food, they are learning the joy of giving and gaining a sense of accomplishment for their efforts. Bringing home the bacon even if it is really venison or pork helps build the character of young people.
If your child is interested in hunting, allow them to pursue it on an age/maturity appropriate level. My boys begin by spending their first year hunting with only binoculars. They must learn to sit quietly before they hunt armed with a gun. If your child is interested in gardening or raising animals for meat, then help them find a way to do it. If these are impossibilities in your family, then you can still allow your child to earn money and shop for a particular meal. They can purchase the ingredients and help you prepare it. You will not only enjoy the fresh meat and vegetables or meal, but your children will learn so much in the process. It really is a win-win for your family.
I love this! My grandsons know about gun safety. This is something every hunter needs to know before turned loose in the woods. They are both boy scouts, too. It does take patience to teach providing food in any form. I happen to love to can veggies and fruits. I have canned meats, too. This summer, in fact.
Every child needs to know how to provide the food, and how to cook it too! And how to clean up the kitchen after cooking. =)