Ships

        We're all sailing on a ship, in a sense, though we may not be near water. It's a sense of movement that makes it a good symbol. We move in life whether we are aware of it or not. We're not talking about the daily movements of a physical body, but the movement of the spirit. We may not feel as if our ship is moving or progressing. We may feel that we are going in circles, or lost at sea. We may even feel that we have been caught in a storm and are battling the currents. Some may feel their ship has sunk and they are struggling to remain afloat.

        Sailing in the sea of life, it is easy to get lost or lose our sense of direction. Perhaps we have the sense of needing a captain because we're not good at sailing our own ship. Perhaps your ship has been sailing peacefully and suddenly you are struggling for survival. Like the ocean, there are so many directions one can sail to, but there are not many markers along the way unless you know how to sail by the stars. Some may feel that their ship isn't moving at all or has even left the dock! There are just so many analogies that can be used with ships. We could even go into symbols of the ships that we sail. What kind of ship are we on? Is it small, large, expensive, plain, rugged, beautiful? How often does it need maintenance and how well do we care for it? Are there others on the ship or do we sail alone?

        When we sail the sea of life we need to be prepared for the storms that arise. No sailor would ever expect the sea to be always smooth and the weather always nice. Knowing this, he is prepared for the journey, for the emergencies that may arise. How often do we think of being prepared for the journey of life? What do we need? What if our boat feels as if it is sinking ...what do we do? So what is the purpose of using the symbols of ships or boats? Liken it to your life. Think of yourself as the sailor in this journey of life. Prepare for emergencies and be aware of the different weather conditions or seasons of life. Sharpen your skills as a sailor. Be aware that as you move through life, even though there may be a sense of no progress, that you are, in fact, moving forward. It may be hard to see or hard to understand, but it is true. You may not have any idea of your destination, but you can make the journey one that is fulfilling and enjoyable.