A Sailing Parable

Two friends decided to launch their new boats on the sea. Neither had ever sailed before so it was with great anticipation they prepared for their adventure.

On the wharf the two friends met an old fisherman. They enthusiastically greeted the old man exclaiming what a beautiful day it was to go sailing.  The fisherman agreed, but warned the day could turn ugly in only a few hours and they should keep watch. The older of the two friends laughed pointing out the clear blue sky and lack of aggressive wind. The old man said nothing.

The younger friend however, looked quizzically at the old fisherman and asked how he knew such things. Watch for the signs the fisherman replied. Signs asked the younger friend. Therefore the fisherman began explaining. The older friend scoffed and exclaimed the old one was stealing their day from them. He was going to go and launch his boat, but the younger decided to stay with the old man.

The next day, the older friend was amazed as he watched his young friend check the equipment on his boat. His sails, his oars, the masts to make sure all were in good shape. However when the younger friend took out a series of maps, a compass and telescope the older friend could not hold back his laughter. Why do you need all that, he asked derisively, just use your eyes and you will see where you are going. Look, there is not a cloud in the sky. You are foolishly wasting time by all this preparation. The younger friend ignored his older friend and continued.

Finally, he was ready to go. The old fisherman came to the dock to see them off, and looking at the sky gave a word or two of wisdom before the young friend set off. The older friend scoffed at the fishermen and followed his young friend out of the bay. 

They enjoyed exhilarating sailing as the soft wind gave them a gentle ride on the waves. Nevertheless, the young friend noticed clouds swiftly building up from the east and a stronger wind began to blow. He yelled to his friend to take his oars and bring his boat closer to shore. The older scornfully laughed and said, the wind would turn and he would head home then. He left his younger friend as he rode recklessly with the wind across the waves.

The young friend began to furl up his sail and maneuver his ship into the swells directing his boat to the calmer shore line. The younger friend sadly shook his head as he watched the fog roll in across the waters knowing his friend would be in great trouble in just a little while. He took his compass out and the maps the old fisherman had given him and began to take steps that would lead him safely home.