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The ancient navigator

DANIEL J. PAUL

The huge towering waves were waxing and waning continually, encircling and engulfing the small boat. The fearful crew (covered in bits of cloth and animal skins), drenched by water, fear reflected in their eyes and worry etched into their faces, was but a small reflection of what they had endured as one day had passed. Similar expressions were captured on the navigator’s face, but were multiplied as he alone knew that they were lost.

Still, the onslaught continued into the night, with wood groaning, creaking and cracking as every wave pounded the little boat. The crew had hours ago lashed themselves to the side of the boat, with hopes of not being swept overboard. Slowly, the night crept forward until the storm was spent and began to abate. The waves subsided and calmed to create a mirror of the quarter, waning moon. Even as the skies cleared, the light of the charted stars was revealed.

Seeing this, the navigator was elated, as the stars were the guiding lights to home; lost no more were they. As the navigator in this short story looked up into the sky to find direction towards home and safety, so it goes for many of us as well. Many of us have looked for our own guidance, not for traveling on sea or land, but for our own personal course in life. This includes the Ten Commandments and positive morals that are so applicable to daily living.

As we say “Good Riddance” to 2020 and are on the cusp of a new year, let us devote ourselves to be a better person. Maybe we need a resolution to be less condescending to others, to respond in love to those with opposing views and to help those in need. Finally, let us pray for our first responders, health care workers, restaurant workers, small business owners, grocery store workers, other businesses that are struggling to survive and for all others (including those with whom we may disagree) who are affected by this pandemic. May God guide and shine upon us all in 2021.

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Daniel J. Paul is a retired school administrator. His articles focus on education, old-fashioned family values, relationships, and other topics. Go to his website at meaningfuldifferences.net.

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