Changing Our Course

Change is a word thrown around a lot these days, especially relative to the direction our nation is heading. Many clamor for a different direction, and often for valid reasons. Change for change’s sake, however, doesn’t necessarily mean forward progress. It takes making an accurate assessment, one characterized by careful thought and wisdom. It also takes integrity, courage, and sacrifice.

Let’s consider the need for a change in direction at the personal level. Truthfully, more is said about change than done. Why? Because most change is not easy, and we tend to be creatures of habit. We like things the way they are. For some, change can seem like a ‘near death’ experience!

How about you? Are you a person who readily tackles and succeeds in making changes in your life?

But suppose you sense that it is time to get serious about changing your direction in one or more areas of our lives. How do you start?

Going back to the example of traveling thru the jungles of Viet Nam, it was critical to know our location and direction. As the platoon leader, I would periodically call my squad leaders together for a map and azimuth check.’ This simply meant that we would use the combination of a map and lensatic compass to determine our present location and to verify that we were moving in the right direction toward our destination. Simply looking at the surrounding area wouldn’t work. By using a team approach, we consistently got it right.

Making course adjustments in our individual lives takes effort, and I’ve personally found that I need more than myself. I need God’s Word and counsel, and I need the help, support, and encouragement of others whom I respect.

Veterans, I would not presume to tell any of you that you need to change your direction. But I will confess that I need to make changes and I’m in that process as I write. I am determined to succeed, but I also know some change can be hard. I’m going to give it my best effort.

Our nation needs you—at your best. That may necessitate making a few changes. Let me encourage you in this effort. You have done noble things in the past for our nation. I believe you can do it again.

“But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.”
(Isaiah 32:8 (NIV)