Changing Course

A story to live by...

A Navy ship was on sea maneuvers in extremely heavy weather and shortly after dark the lookout reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow."
"Is it steady or moving astern?" the captain called out.
Lookout replied, "Steady, captain," which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.
The captain then called to the signalman, "Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees."
Back came a signal, "Advisable for you to change your course 20 degrees."
The captain said, "Send, I'm a captain, change your course 20 degrees."
"I'm a seaman second class," came the reply. "You had better change your course 20 degrees."
"By that time, the captain was furious. How dare a seaman second class order him to change course. He spat out, "Send, I'm a battleship. Change your course 20 degrees or prepare to be rammed."
Back came the flashing light, "I'm a Light House do what you want!"
The captain changed course immediately. When important decisions come our way it is pertinent to remain objective and to look for alternative solutions. Although, being right is important, being wrong can be devastating. Yet, the choice is ours, we can be objective and change course or we can be obtuse and run aground. Sometimes, it is better to change our course…
W. Bishop

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