In every adversity, Hunter McCallister looks for the advantage.

In every adversity, Hunter McCallister looks for the advantage.

    In every adversity, Hunter McCallister looks for the advantage. “Something bad happens, but then it turns out to be really good,” he said. He learned this truth when he was nine or 10 years old in a near-death experience when he played with friends at Daytona Beach.

    They ventured out to the ocean waves shortly after lifeguards left for the evening. “We all swam out, and I got caught in a riptide. I got taken under and couldn’t make it back up. I knew I wasn’t going to make it, then saw a bright light. I later realized that must have been Jesus.”

     None of his friends were able to help, nor were any family members nearby. An unknown lone swimmer yanked Hunter up and brought him ashore. Hunter said he’s never forgotten that experience. What started out as a terrifying episode resulted in the realization there was much more to life than he knew.

    His positive perspective helps him solve problems daily where he works outdoors repairing irrigation systems. The environment is often hot, dirty, and complicated. However, he keeps a smile on his face as he assesses what needs to be done. “I like doing something different every day,” he said.

     Whether wiring sprinkler valves or excavating leaky pipes, he determines to achieve the task with quiet competence. A simple cross on a black cord hangs around his neck. “My mom gave this to me.”

     The symbol reveals a legacy of trust. “My mom is a straight-forward Christian,” Hunter said. “But she lets me find truths for myself.”

     He has studied Eastern philosophies and appreciates the focus on oneness. Last year, he started reading the Bible after friends invited him to a study. “I started at the beginning and got to page 100,” he said. “My goal is to complete the whole book.”

     He likes learning and is taking classes to become a personal trainer. During high school, he completed dual enrollment at Valencia, but has to work out funding more college. An adventure he anticipates is vacationing in the Canary Islands this fall. “I’m excited about what’s in store,” he said.

     Hunter’s advice to other seekers is to be adventurous. “Follow the signs and take the hints when you see them,” he said.

Today’s Bible verse:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9 NIV).  

Resources to learn about the Bible:

https://www.lifeloveandjesus.com/free-online-bible-study-tools/