Steering Your Boat On The Ocean of Life

Steering Your Boat On The Ocean of Life

By Jeannine Haslett

A fine young man acquired a boat with crisp, white sails. He anxiously set out towards the open sea, eager to begin an exciting journey. The warm ocean breeze rustled through his hair, the waves merrily bobbed his little boat up and down and the sun sparkled on the water like diamonds.

He had been sailing his boat for many happy hours, when he noticed that what was once a gentle breeze, had grown in intensity throughout the late afternoon, becoming a powerful, gusting wind. The inexperienced young man struggled to turn the boat around. Finally, pointing the boat towards where he thought the shore was, he tried to steer his boat home.

The sky grew dark, the winds reached gale force and his little sailboat was tossed to and fro upon the angry sea. Fearing that his beautiful sails would be ripped to shreds, he fought hard to take them down. All night long the gale winds howled. The salty spray lashed at the boy’s tender cheeks, turning them hot and red. He bailed water from the deck all through the night.

After sunrise, the winds returned to a gentle breeze. The exhausted young man collapsed in a heap and slept all through the morning. He awoke in the late afternoon, and knelt in deep and sincere prayer to his Father in Heaven.

“Please, please, God, help me steer my boat. I was unwise to head out to open sea without instructions. I was too inexperienced to go out alone without a guide to help direct me. I did not respect the depths or the immense power of the sea. I was too proud to realize that I was putting myself in danger. Please help me find the way back home.”

He stood up and stared into the sky, shoving his hands into his pockets. He felt a lump deep inside his right pocket. He took the object out of his pocket. It was a compass. He had not remembered that he had been carrying it. His father had given him this compass to find his way home if he should ever get lost. Using the North Star as his guide, and following the arrow on the compass, he began to head towards home.

For several years the young man gained experience as he steered his boat on the water. He used the plane of the clean, white sails to catch the wind like a kite as he steered his boat upon the great waters.

This fine boat was his. If he steered it to the left, it went left. If he steered it to the right, it went right. If he steered it into danger, he had nobody to blame but himself, for he alone steered the boat. The young man used his compass, his experience, and prayed daily for guidance from the Lord. Eventually, he found his way home to a joyful reunion with his family.

Our lives are like a sailboat on the ocean. Just as a boat goes in whatever direction we steer it, our lives will follow in the direction we steer it. The life what we have been blessed with is our responsibility to respect and protect. Heading out into the wide, open sea with our sails full opened to the elements of the world can lead us into danger.

The Lord has given us a compass. It is the scriptures. It is revelation. It is prayer. The Holy Ghost is like the North Star. It is constant and unchanging. Following the North Star can lead us home. Following the Holy Spirit can also lead us home—to our family in Heaven.

When you look at the picture of the sailboats, let it be a reminder that YOU are steering your boat. Steer your boat in the direction where you want it to end up. Respect the dangers of the sea, or the world. Protect your sails, or your purity, from the harsh elements of the world. If you find that you have steered your boat towards danger, pray. Pray for guidance, for forgiveness, and for wisdom. Use your compass to help you chart your course. Use the scriptures, revelation and prayer to help you chart the course of your life. Always keep your gaze upon the North Star and you will not be lost. If you live so that the Holy Spirit can be your constant companion, your life will not be lost. When you finally reach your destination, it will be well worth all the effort. After all, you will end up wherever you have steered your boat.

The above story, along with a copy of Monet's painting, has been given to several young men upon turning 12, as a gift from Jeannine Haslett, for being worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Feel free to copy it and do the same, if you feel inspired to do so.