Set your sails

Jim Rohn reminded us, "It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go." Really think upon that one for a moment. What 'direction' is being taken based upon the 'set of your sails' today? It is my understanding from my limited knowledge of sailing that sailors 'set the sail' in order to catch the wind that will carry them toward the destination they desire. If there is a contrary wind, they pull down the sails for a while, navigating by the rudder to remain as close to course as possible, until the winds are favorable again to raise the sails to 'catch the wind'. Perhaps one of the greatest things we can do is be aware of which way the 'wind' is blowing in our lives, taking particular notice of when it is time to take the sails down a bit, allowing the 'navigation' of our lives to be controlled by the 'rudder' of the Spirit when those winds are totally contrary to the direction God wants us to travel.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. (Psalm 121:7-8)

A sailor must be watchful of both the current and the winds. The weather plays a huge part in his ability to reach his desired destination. If it is contrary to his course, the journey will be rough at best but could easily take him off-course in a rather significant way. The current carries him without him even being the wiser. The winds might be a force to be reckoned with, but they eventually die down. The winds may be easier to recognize because we can feel them, seeing their effect on the sails. What some may not notice is that the 'current' of society norms may be taking them into 'waters' that will become less and less 'secure'. If we forget to pay attention to both the 'current' and the 'winds' that make navigating this world harder and harder, we might end up shipwrecked somewhere we don't want to be!

When we want protection, we place ourselves 'within' the thing that will protect us the best. The sailor navigates by what is trustworthy - the heavens. He takes notice of his position based upon the 'angle' between the various celestial bodies and his boat. Based upon those angles, he notes both longitude and latitude, taking note of where he is in the waters he is sailing through. God tells us to 'navigate' by his word, the presence of the Holy Spirit within, and the wisdom that comes through times of prayer. God's watchfulness never quits - he will prompt us to set our sails into the correct winds and avoid those that will be contrary to our 'good progress', but we must be attentive to the 'current of society norms' and the 'winds' that attempt to change our course so quickly. Just sayin!