A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest wind. James 3:4 The Message
Randy and I just returned from a cruise which was postponed for two years and just finally realized! I am always amazed at the size and magnitude of these ships which carry hundreds of passengers plus crew members and manage to stay afloat! There are so many working parts to a cruise ship and making it work is overwhelming to someone who has no idea of all that goes on behind the scenes.
Shipping ports have become so crowded that sometimes they are dealing with over 1000 ships at any given time. This situation makes it vital that captains of these ships know weather conditions, traffic, tides, and other critical information. This is where the pilot boats come in to help. Pilot boats are small boats which deliver maritime pilots to the arriving ships entering the port.
The maritime pilot boards the ship from the pilot boat and works with the captain and crew to make sure the ship docks safely. The pilot shares critical information on tides, weather, harbor traffic, and real time updates. When the ship leaves the port, the process is reversed as the pilot ship transfers the pilot from the ship to their boat.
It’s been my belief all these years that the maritime pilot takes over control of the ship from the captain and gets it safely in and out of ports. The truth is that the maritime pilot is only there to assist the captain and crew with critical information. Control of the ship is always up to the Captain.
The Captain of any ship is responsible for the overall control and navigation, maneuvering, communications, and safe handling of the ship. A good captain has quiet confidence and is a master of management. When difficult decisions have to be made, a competent captain knows how to balance a vessel’s needs above any outside influence.
Throughout history there have been captains who are famous for the contributions they made of their geological and scientific knowledge as well as changing the world’s perception of geography. Men such as James Cook, Christopher Columbus and Frances Drake all contributed critical information.
There are also captains which we remember because of tragedies such as Captain E.J. Smith who is blamed for the sinking of the Titanic because he was sailing the massive ship too fast through the iceberg infested waters of the North Atlantic! It is also a well reported fact that his radio operator received the message about the icebergs before hand but considered the warning to be non urgent and didn’t disturb the captain. Critical information was ignored.
What would God expect of those who are Captains or leaders in this world of today? How would He want them to use the critical information which is readily available in His word? First, I think He would want Captains to be accountable to someone who is strong enough to help strengthen their vulnerable areas and offer counsel on important decisions. Secondly, priorities need to be in order for Captains because being in this role can sometimes allow personal success to be put before the welfare of others. Finally, I think He would want our walk with Him to consistently reflect Him in everything that is said or done. The first thing that should be foremost in the Captain’s mind is using the critical information to “feed the sheep” of this world.
The Bulldog Nation lost a great Captain last week. Vince Dooley died at the age of 90. He spent most of his career as the Captain of a great university football team and athletic program. During his years, he gathered critical information and passed it on to his players, his coaches, and those who filled his shoes after his retirement. Dooley learned what worked and what didn’t, and the people who followed him were smart enough to take the program he had built, fine tune it, and move it forward while sustaining the legacy left to them.
A good Captain has the respect of his team as well as his family and friends, and it was heartwarming to hear all the accolades for him. Kirby Smart said, “Coach Dooley was a part of UGA for so long and represented it with such class! He is a huge part of my success!” Mark Richt said, “He was always there when I asked advice.” Ray Goff commented, ” His legacy is one of a kind.” Buck Belue said, “Coach Dooley was a man of integrity, forthright and trustworthy.” All of these are qualities of a great Captain who took the critical information that was learned and lived it!
The best eulogy I can give the Coach is that He was a Damn Good Dawg and a great Captain!
Critical information comes to us everyday in all of our lives. It is our job to use it to God’s glory and honor.
