As a boy, I was drawn to the outdoors. Whether it was a hunting or fishing trip, or just an excursion to some new area, I always felt a special contentment when I was outside.

I can remember, many nights, lying on the ground on a warm summer's night, and watching the stars. I was always in awe of their placement.

I also felt like I was fulfilling some part of the purpose of my manhood when I was hunting or fishing. I only had to look at the desires of my own two sisters to understand that God made man and woman different.

It's funny that I feel this same special purpose right now.

It's one o'clock and I'm hunting in Alabama. This morning the thermometer read 11 degrees with a wind that's blowing at about seven miles per hour. I've been in the woods all morning, and plan on staying all day. I moved from the top of the ridge, to the hollow, to get away from the wind. It's been brutal.

I am in the midst of several scrapes, but I'm also surrounded by thousands of acres. I don't know exactly where I am, but once again, I feel like I'm where I belong.

I'm cold, but content. I'm disappointed that I've not taken a deer in the four days that I've been here, but I fell blessed.

I've overcome some unbearable weather conditions. I've endured long walks. I've conquered steep hills and maneuvered through large thickets. And if I kill a deer, the trip will not have been any better.

What makes all of this worthwhile? Somewhere within all of these circumstances, is a sense of fulfilled purpose. Obstacles become stepping stones when our purpose lies on the other side. We all are willing to put ourselves in difficult situations, if we know that we are fulfilling our purpose.

I just quit my job after 18 years. It was an honorable position of ministry to some wonderful people. My family and I had become accustomed to a paycheck each week and to the surety of what the next day held. But for sometime now, God has been calling me to another purpose; one that allows me to spend more time with people like you, my hunting and fishing friends.

The obstacles are pretty big. The wind is blowing. I'm not really, exactly sure where I am. But within all of these circumstances, I stand with a peace that comes from purpose. And I had rather have that, than the safety and security of a life without it.

Gary Miller can be reached via e-mail at gary@outdoortruths.org.