What Kind of a Captain are You?

I found this video and the article that accompanied it to be a reminder that we rarely recognize the greatness that may be right in front of us.

Just as the Constitution is a plain and precious document that is seldom read by the average American, is the value of John Bell's playing of the violin any different? How often do we really stop and smell the roses, or in this case hear the violin? Too often we find ourselves lost in thought and oblivious to the world in which we are walking. We ignore the needs of a fallen brother or sister and let the Samaritan that follows us take care of the tasks that we, as the hands of Christ could have tended.

In the seminars and workshops I give I often tell people to “100% BE PRESENT” in each moment of their day. When we so live our lives we find the hidden treasures of knowledge and experiences that are to be found on the path less traveled. This life style however takes commitment to a changed view of our role in the world.

If we simply wander as a rudderless ship through life, then we take little responsibility for our actions. If, however, we take the view that we are “The Captain of Our Own Ship,” then we find that each and every decision and action we take has a consequence. We quickly discover that we are wholly responsible for the course we chart.

This changed view of life helps us to find the value in the moment, rather than the moments passing away worthless and wasted. When we are constantly living in the present and aware of our surroundings, we will easily avoid the uncharted rocks and reefs; while still being available to capitalize on and profit from those small windows of opportunity, be they intellectual, financial or spiritual.

Which brings me to one of the final question I ask folks, “What kind of a captain are you”?