Reflections of a Rev: Sailing as metaphor and 60 years young...-

I’ve been reliably informed that it is easier to see where you have been than it is to know where you are going! Unfortunately, when one is sailing the ocean waves, it is the latter that is infinitely more important to your capacity to arrive at your destination safely.

As a consequence, I have been utilising three systems of navigation: A chart-plotter that has an electronic view of the area; a watch that tracks my progress and indicates SOG (Speed over Ground); and a compass that helps tell me which direction the vessel is heading (at least in relation to Magnetic North!). Between the three of these, it is possible to be fairly confident of a) Your present position b) Your heading and c) What dangers may lie ahead.

My octogenarian Father in Law doesn't really place much confidence in these new-fangled devices, and took great delight in passing on to me his sizeable collection of Nautical charts which indicate in increasing detail the coves, havens and hazards of coastal sailing. They are a great treasure trove of resources and an essential back up for modern technology.

One of the challenges we face in our life-journeys and in a‘faith’ world is the integration of past resources and aids with contemporary challenges and changes. It’s not that the ‘coastal terrain’ has radically altered, but rather our speed of traverse seems to have increased and there are many more challenges and obstacles of which to be aware. The old static ‘charts’ and our memories of favourite anchorages are still available to us, but we hardly seem to have the time to peruse them before another course-change or decision needs to be made.

Moving at 5-6 knots sailing speed reminded me that in doing so I have the capacity and time to

reflect and consider not only what lies ahead but also to really notice the world around me. The very nature of the gentle pace gifts the time to do so. It’s also no coincidence that little progress can be made unless the sails are set correctly to harness the wind and move the vessel. It does mean that you can’t always head directly toward where you think you should be going, but it is often in the very process of being forced to ‘bear away’ that new vistas are revealed and the journey becomes infinitely more satisfying.

The challenge we face as individuals, and particularly for myself as one who is part of a faith-congregation , is to question my and our willingness to constantly ‘tune our sails’ to harness the wind of the Spirit. We too may not always follow the course we first envisage, and the accompanying motley crew may at times challenge us, but the journey promises to be both exciting and fulfilling!

On another matter, it was great to celebrate with good friends Bob and Dos on the occasion of Doseena's 60th - pictures tell the story!