A standard practice by fishermen is to wash their nets. They do this for several reasons, one of which is to remove debris and trash that may have meshed with the nets. Untangling is another reason. It has been observed, too, that regular washing helps in the preservation of the nets’ original shape and size, and for prolongation of their lifespan. Fishermen wash their nets after each fishing trip or at regular intervals like weekly or monthly. Invariably, the practice helps to improve fishing efficiency. In our text, the fishermen were carrying out this routine practice of net washing. Incidentally, it was a day that they caught nothing after all toils. They must have queried the condition of their nets as the reason for the zero catch and determined not to go back to sea until they had fixed things.

Every little while, we should engage in “net washing”, no matter our calling or vocation. The idea is to sit down to find out what hasn’t worked and why.

This is a strong metaphor for our pursuits in life. Every little while, we should engage in “net washing”, no matter our calling or vocation. The idea is to sit down to find out what hasn’t worked and why. It is also to consider what has worked and map out to make that hold for a very long time. Net washing time is a time for strategic thinking and critical analysis. There is no better time to do this than now that the year is drawing to a close. Whatever you come up with at the “net washing” moment should become subjects of prayer. This important step may be the tonic for 2025.