The Compass

The compass is a remarkable instrument that has been used as an instrument of navigation since the Chinese invented somewhere around 200 BC. It is incredible to think that we can actually follow with accuracy a needle that points to magnetic north! However, if a person is a few degrees out while traveling by compass you can end up miles away from your intended destination. That is why we require landmarks that we aim for as we travel, maps that help us distinguish landmarks, and finally compass that is true and not interfered by electrical signals.

Such an instrument of navigation makes an excellent metaphor for life. The information we dial into a compass will lead us to where we want to go. Dial in 360 degrees and you will end up travelling North. However if you wanted to go south and dialed in 360 you would end up in the opposite direction you intended. It is important for us to set goals based on accurate information. It is amazing how many times our small mistakes end up being "titantic" when with a little course correction we would avoided sailing into iceberg infested waters.

I'm in the midst of teaching outdoor education, admittedly one of my favorite courses. I am amazed how often skills learned in the outdoors translate to life back indoors - what we sometimes term the "real world." When we seek adventure outside we often end learning up about ourselves don't we? When faced with a challenge or problem to be solved we have to make the right decisions in order to survive in a wilderness situation. It is important that we correct our mistakes early on or else we could end up in some serious troubles.

Well - I'm off mtn biking in the Sandilands once again - riding by lights down some pretty wild trails!

G