Insights from Jeff Maynard “Aim True”

Aim True
By Jeff Maynard

There is a delightful young lady that publishes videos on YouTube; with the express stated purpose of sharing the "fun, challenge, and the joy of shooting" with all who might view her work.  An accomplished performer with the rifle, and other firearm platforms, she nearly always closes her videos with the admonition to "Aim True."

Always on the lookout for examples of positive character qualities that are demonstrated in the lives of those with which I have had contact, I noted her charge to "Aim True" with interest.  Like the prospector who has a few flakes of "color" in his pan, and knows there is a rich source of gold somewhere upstream, I sensed a subject worthy of some focused exploration in her advice.

I suppose, since she is an advocate for the safe and responsible use of firearms, that her primary intent in directing us to "Aim True" would be the obvious...align your sights and place them precisely on the target where one intends to shoot.  

Aiming, according to the NRA's basic rifle shooting handbook, is only the first of five fundamentals of firing a shot, the others being: 2. breath control; 3. hold control; 4. trigger control; and 5. follow through. However, seeing her poised presentation, patient attention, and creative invention of various shooting scenarios lets one know there is depth of character in this fine young lady, and there is likely more to the phrase "Aim True",  than the obvious.

To aim is to point or direct anything to a desired location or object with the view to strike or affect it; as an arrow or bullet, or discourse or remark.  The idea of aiming implies that a specific goal has been determined, and that a specific course of action is in process to affect that goal.  

When you watch Kirsten aim, you are not seeing some gal glibly pointing in at a target and making a lucky shot. You are seeing the long term affects of OCEANS of wise influence by others and diligent practice by her. She has obviously spent time with good mentors and then invested incredible effort to achieve her goals.  She has Determined her course, and, with the help of those trusted contributors around her, pursues those endeavors.

The concept of True bears the idea of conformity to fact or reality; in fact it is exact accordance with that which has been, or is, or shall be.  It is free from falsehood.  Honest, not fraudulent.

Combining the two terms, then, the encouragement to Aim True begins by reminding us to decisively direct our shots to their intended destination while paying attention to accurately assessing any mitigating factors that might diminish our accuracy, and making appropriate adjustments. At the same time, we must faithfully remain true to the fundamentals which provide the stable platform from which we can succeed.

In life, as in shooting, we must have a goal, or else we will wander aimlessly without focused purpose or intended effect. We must also have the ability to identify factors that will diminish us, causing us to "miss the mark". A modest phrase from the Bible gave me direction for a lifetime when it queried, "O, man, what does the Lord require of thee?"  The answer...?

"Do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."  That's my focus.

Micah 6:8 

Click here for "Goals worth living!"

My personal observations from Jeff's article!

Pastor Vince Marino

Added blessing click here!


Micah 6:8

“This verse is so basic and simple.  It is easy to keep it close to mind and to use as a keystone in holding things together when the turmoil of life can often obscure our direction.

Like a giant foghorn, which warns of danger when sight (our primary means of navigation) becomes un-useful, the verse lends its powerful, but simple message to warn and direct.”

By Jeff Maynard

More about the foghorn click here!