Deep Sea Fishing

Years ago there were four of us that would charter a boat and go deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. My buddies, J.C., Skip, and Jeff, were all more outdoormen than myself, but I enjoyed hanging with the fellas. We disembarked before sunrise and headed to our first destination. Barely awake(not a morning person) I hardly chatted with the fellas but I do remember glancing at the captain occasionally.

We encountered some “heavy chop” heading out and in between each fishing hole. Inquisitive by nature, I briefly stood beside him and watched. I asked him, “Where are we heading next?” He pointed to a dot in his book and on the radar. I surmised we weren’t taking the most direct route and queried about our path. “We can go that way but it’s a much rougher path. I’ve done this for years, the path I’ve chosen is best for you, the crew, and the boat. I’d suggest you take a seat.”

Today, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, I am grateful that:

During that trip we had an experienced captain. Someone who’d experienced troubled waters previously, successfully navigated them, and applied his prior experience to our current situation.

Our captain knew multiple ways to accomplish our tasks, a successful bounty of fish. When we were unsuccessful in one place, he moved us to another, then another, and kept doing so until we’d accomplished our objective.

Our captain had a plan and several alternatives. When his first approach didn’t work, we didn’t quit. We moved to another spot, then another, then another. He was persistent in his endeavors and worked towards our objective. He didn’t let a couple of setbacks deter him, nor us. We kept going until we achieved success.

When I offered a distraction, our captain ignored it. He didn’t entertain my words and advise. He’d been here before, unlike myself. He had a plan and several alternatives and to the inexperienced(like me) it seemed nonsensical. But to the experienced and well travelled, his path assured success.

What’s your objective/purpose?

Who’s your captain?

Do you trust your captain?

When unsuccessful in your first attempt do you keep pursuing your objective?

What about if unsuccessful on your second, third, fourth, or maybe a fifth attempt?

When you question your captain, do you wait and listen for his answer?

When he answers, do you comply with his response?

If your captain isn’t your Creator, I’d suggest you quickly identify who that is for you.

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!