Real Hope: Community of ChristSample

Safer and More Satisfying Together

"I don’t know how it works or even if it does. It’s yours for $75!" I purchased the sextant from a stall holder as an ornament. Over a decade later, I used it to record the angles between distant objects in a training exercise. Joining my fellow trainees below deck, we plotted our position relative to a narrow inlet some nautical miles away.  

We could have used the expensive (and immediately accurate) satellite navigation system sitting dormant beside us, however, there’s something special about the relationship with learning, understanding, and acting (initially in faith) that made this process so much more thrilling. Hours later, we all peered into the darkness for the first red and green flashes of the inlet navigation buoys. Yes, there they were! Right where we expected them to be!

We had double-checked each other’s readings and calculations, taken turns as lookout, assisted one another in bouts of sea sickness, then celebrated wildly in our moderate achievement! Even while mooring the vessel, we were plotting our next maritime triumph. 

Navigation can be a solo effort. However, in sharing the experience, we lessened the burden on the one, we protected ourselves against the many simple errors that could lead to devastating outcomes, and we multiplied our joy at journey’s end. As one who can tend to reclusiveness, my spiritual journey is far safer and more satisfying as a crew member.

Written by Dwayne Jeffries