In my last blog entry I attempted to demonstrate that America needs you more than ever. Why? Because our nation needs to adjust its course. In too many important areas, we are moving along the wrong course. We need to change our direction in crucial areas like the economy, crime, immigration, and health reform to name a few.
In the current Presidential election race, both Senator McCain and Obama cite the need for a change. But what direction do we take? The answers are not always simple. The issues require careful examination.
Let me illustrate. As an Infantry platoon leader in Viet Nam, my unit often operated in thick jungle. Navigation was difficult. The vegetation was so thick at times that we had to cut a pathway using machetes. Some days we traveled as little as 500-600 meters. In vegetation that thick, determining the right direction could only be achieved by use of a lensatic compass and maintaining a careful pace count in order to know how far we had traveled. Getting lost or disoriented could easily happen. With the lives of my men at stake, I never considered that a good option. I used safeguards to keep that from occurring.
Before I tell what these were, let me tell you what I didn’t do. As the leader, I didn’t assume that I was infallible with my navigation and map reading skills. I knew that I needed to use sources outside of myself to get on the right course and stay on course.
On an individual level, I observe people everyday who are trying to navigate their journey through life completely on their own. They are intelligent and capable men and women in many cases, but their approach is not working. They are like ships without rudders. Ships like that are dangerous—for themselves and for others.
What about your direction in life? Are you headed in a good direction? Or could there be need for a change in direction?
Back to my situation in the jungles of Viet Nam. At times along our route, I would communicate to my squad leaders: “Time for a map and azimuth check.”
Some of you have been there, done that, and know exactly what I’m talking about. For those unfamiliar, I will cover that next time. Until then, I ask you to consider these words from Scripture:
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”
Proverbs 3:13,14 (NIV)