Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

July 16, 2018

“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” – Thomas Aquinas

Life does not happen without risk.  When we put our energy into maintaining safety at all costs, we miss the point of life.  Sometimes, regardless of experience or preparation, we lose the ship.  That is the risk of exploration and growth.  On the other hand, if we have no “sailing experience,” we would be foolish to venture out of port on our own.  There is a balance.  A captain takes risks because she has the experience to judge a situation and address it appropriately.  A “landlubber” is better served by hiring a captain until he gains more experience and knowledge about how to navigate those particular waters.

When have I “stayed in port?”  When have I sailed beyond my experience or skill?  What have the consequences been?  What gifts await me as I journey forward taking appropriate risks?