My growth has been greatly enhanced by learning to sail. I have a thirty year old 12 foot Dolphin Sailboat and a 24 foot Com Pac made in 1981. They are perfect for exploring all the lakes and seaways around where I live. The lessons learned relaxing and reflecting on these old boats have enhanced my own spiritual growth and journey to recovery.
The following are small insights in seven principles that have helped me gain perspective and stay on course. Some of us never learned to “sail” very well in the arena of personal integrity, growth through adversity and recovery from failure. As you go ponder these thoughts, I pray you’ll learn to navigate your own craft in stormy weather or the deep blue calm seas…keeping upright on a true course.
I. FACE THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6
The wind can be blowing nicely, but if I am not positioned correctly I go nowhere. When I tack at the right angle, I really get moving.
Face up to your weakness, as well as your strengths. Use God’s word and the power of His Spirit to fill your sail. Leaders take responsibility for their lives and the direction they take.
Leaders cast the vision and set the direction.
II. PAY ATTENTION TO THE HULL!
“Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds…” Prov.27:23
Cracks appear in the hull from time to time from stress, abuse, and normal wear and tear. It takes time to turn the boat over and sand out the rough spots and fill in all the cracks and “dings”. But if you take the time, your boat will stay seaworthy.
Take time to really examine your own life…the places where you might be “leaking”. Are certain habits creeping back? Are cracks appearing in your recovery? It may be time to put in a little extra “rehab work” with a brother or a counselor.
Leaders don’t shy away from self examination.
III. EXPECT ADVERSE WINDS!
“Consider all joy when you encounter various trials…” James 1:2
Without the wind, I will sail nowhere, but strong opposing winds can at times be terrifying. How can I sail straight when the wind is coming at me? Setting the right course and constantly adjusting it keeps me on track.
Are you staying on course? Are you making the right “course corrections” in your life to help you keep your top lines working and your bottom lines intact?
Leaders know how to continually adjust to keep on course.
IV. WHEN IN TROUBLE, LET GO!
“In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline your ear to me and save me. Psalm 71:1-2
Sometimes I get caught in a gust that threatens to capsize by boat. I have learned that instead of getting tipped over, all I have to do is let go of the sail and the tiller. The boat automatically positions itself into the wind, and I can try again.
What do you need to let go of? Your reputation? Your shame? The idea that you can “manage” your sin? While you’re not the “perfect Christian guy” you often portrayed…you’re not the sum of your sin either. Let go of both extremes and let God direct you into safe waters of healing, help and recovery.
Leaders have great resiliency.
V. PREPARE YOUR CREW!
“So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD." 7Then he said to the people, "Go forward, and march around the city, and let the armed men go on before the ark of the LORD." But Joshua commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard nor let a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout!"
Joshua 6:6,7 & 10
Maggie, our Labrador dog has learned the hard way. When I yell, “We’re coming about…!” she jumps from the bow to the center of the boat. She got tired of sliding off the bow into the lake every time I made a sharp turn. Even the dog wants to be told when we’re changing direction.
Men usually move at light speed and can get ready in a moment’s notice. Those around them often have a hard time adjusting to these rapid course corrections. We often forget the comfort of those around us depends on us communicating what we know might lie just ahead. Learn to read the wind and prepare those around you for what’s looming on the horizon.
Leaders share their insight and communicate with their crew.
VI. INVITE OTHERS TO SAIL WITH YOU!
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” Philippians 2:3-4
Sailing alone can be great. It provides peace and relaxation, or skill and stamina depending on the day’s wind. Watching the reaction of a first time sailor to six dolphins rising out of the water in the Gulf is a thrill for both of us. We sailed around Honeymoon Island after crossing the Dunedin Bridge and sailed by some spectacular beaches. We talked about life, and the ups and downs we faced. By sunset, we had seen how God provides the wind, the sea and helped us to get back to a safe harbor.
Others need to hear how you sail into growth or recovery. You’ve faced strong winds and rough waters. Invite another guy to lunch. Share your story and your struggles. Be an encourager. Lead a bible study with a few other guys, or organize one and find someone to lead it. Someone has to initiate to make it happen…why not you? Keep an eye out for the guy on the horizon who needs to be invited in.
Being “inclusive” is a mark of leadership.
VII. THERE’S ALWAYS MORE!
“The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters” Psalm 24:1-2
The world is more than two-thirds water and I’ll never run out of new places to sail and explore. I won’t ever get bored with the same old scenery or feel like there are no new adventures. I’m off to enjoy warm winds, colorful skies and deep blue water!
The great news is that you can continue to grow for the rest of your life into a deeper more intimate relationship with God and others. You don’t ever have to stop, and it’s not something that is ever “complete” or that you eventually “retire” from. As you grow you’ll have a greater capacity to lead and influence those around you.
Leaders who persevere are in for the long haul, and not just a seasonal run.
Conclusion:
Leadership in this context simply means taking initiative and responsibility for your own actions. As you do this, there will be plenty of opportunity to positively impact those around you. It is a natural byproduct of growing in a healthy relationship with God and others.
The following are small insights in seven principles that have helped me gain perspective and stay on course. Some of us never learned to “sail” very well in the arena of personal integrity, growth through adversity and recovery from failure. As you go ponder these thoughts, I pray you’ll learn to navigate your own craft in stormy weather or the deep blue calm seas…keeping upright on a true course.
I. FACE THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6
The wind can be blowing nicely, but if I am not positioned correctly I go nowhere. When I tack at the right angle, I really get moving.
Face up to your weakness, as well as your strengths. Use God’s word and the power of His Spirit to fill your sail. Leaders take responsibility for their lives and the direction they take.
Leaders cast the vision and set the direction.
II. PAY ATTENTION TO THE HULL!
“Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds…” Prov.27:23
Cracks appear in the hull from time to time from stress, abuse, and normal wear and tear. It takes time to turn the boat over and sand out the rough spots and fill in all the cracks and “dings”. But if you take the time, your boat will stay seaworthy.
Take time to really examine your own life…the places where you might be “leaking”. Are certain habits creeping back? Are cracks appearing in your recovery? It may be time to put in a little extra “rehab work” with a brother or a counselor.
Leaders don’t shy away from self examination.
III. EXPECT ADVERSE WINDS!
“Consider all joy when you encounter various trials…” James 1:2
Without the wind, I will sail nowhere, but strong opposing winds can at times be terrifying. How can I sail straight when the wind is coming at me? Setting the right course and constantly adjusting it keeps me on track.
Are you staying on course? Are you making the right “course corrections” in your life to help you keep your top lines working and your bottom lines intact?
Leaders know how to continually adjust to keep on course.
IV. WHEN IN TROUBLE, LET GO!
“In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline your ear to me and save me. Psalm 71:1-2
Sometimes I get caught in a gust that threatens to capsize by boat. I have learned that instead of getting tipped over, all I have to do is let go of the sail and the tiller. The boat automatically positions itself into the wind, and I can try again.
What do you need to let go of? Your reputation? Your shame? The idea that you can “manage” your sin? While you’re not the “perfect Christian guy” you often portrayed…you’re not the sum of your sin either. Let go of both extremes and let God direct you into safe waters of healing, help and recovery.
Leaders have great resiliency.
V. PREPARE YOUR CREW!
“So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD." 7Then he said to the people, "Go forward, and march around the city, and let the armed men go on before the ark of the LORD." But Joshua commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard nor let a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, 'Shout!' Then you shall shout!"
Joshua 6:6,7 & 10
Maggie, our Labrador dog has learned the hard way. When I yell, “We’re coming about…!” she jumps from the bow to the center of the boat. She got tired of sliding off the bow into the lake every time I made a sharp turn. Even the dog wants to be told when we’re changing direction.
Men usually move at light speed and can get ready in a moment’s notice. Those around them often have a hard time adjusting to these rapid course corrections. We often forget the comfort of those around us depends on us communicating what we know might lie just ahead. Learn to read the wind and prepare those around you for what’s looming on the horizon.
Leaders share their insight and communicate with their crew.
VI. INVITE OTHERS TO SAIL WITH YOU!
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” Philippians 2:3-4
Sailing alone can be great. It provides peace and relaxation, or skill and stamina depending on the day’s wind. Watching the reaction of a first time sailor to six dolphins rising out of the water in the Gulf is a thrill for both of us. We sailed around Honeymoon Island after crossing the Dunedin Bridge and sailed by some spectacular beaches. We talked about life, and the ups and downs we faced. By sunset, we had seen how God provides the wind, the sea and helped us to get back to a safe harbor.
Others need to hear how you sail into growth or recovery. You’ve faced strong winds and rough waters. Invite another guy to lunch. Share your story and your struggles. Be an encourager. Lead a bible study with a few other guys, or organize one and find someone to lead it. Someone has to initiate to make it happen…why not you? Keep an eye out for the guy on the horizon who needs to be invited in.
Being “inclusive” is a mark of leadership.
VII. THERE’S ALWAYS MORE!
“The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters” Psalm 24:1-2
The world is more than two-thirds water and I’ll never run out of new places to sail and explore. I won’t ever get bored with the same old scenery or feel like there are no new adventures. I’m off to enjoy warm winds, colorful skies and deep blue water!
The great news is that you can continue to grow for the rest of your life into a deeper more intimate relationship with God and others. You don’t ever have to stop, and it’s not something that is ever “complete” or that you eventually “retire” from. As you grow you’ll have a greater capacity to lead and influence those around you.
Leaders who persevere are in for the long haul, and not just a seasonal run.
Conclusion:
Leadership in this context simply means taking initiative and responsibility for your own actions. As you do this, there will be plenty of opportunity to positively impact those around you. It is a natural byproduct of growing in a healthy relationship with God and others.
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