“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” ~Wyland
Growing up near, in, and on the ocean has given me a wonderful opportunity to learn by doing. My neighbors, friends, and coworkers all rely on this vast resource in one way or another.
It shapes and feeds our lives and how we view the world around us. I’ve taken these lessons with me into my working life and have been wonderfully blessed thereby. I’d like to share some with you.
1. Some things need never be said.
I’ve crewed on charter boats and fishing boats, and I’ve seen a marked contrast between those who get it and those who don’t.
A tourist comes for the experience of doing battle. They’re looking to take from the ocean some trophy, to wrestle with sun and salt spray and come away victorious. Everything they do, everything they ask, it’s all to accomplish this clear goal: a picture of them with a fish as long as they are tall. And they work hard to attain their prize.
These sometimes fishermen have many questions. “What have you been catching? Do you think we should try somewhere else? Can I use another rod (or reel, or bait)?”
They seem a bit lost when there aren’t any clear answers, and also confused by choices. When a fish is hooked and brought in, there is a flurry of excited activity, a huge rush and expenditure of energy. (more…)
