Deference: A Lesson from the High Seas

Good day, dear reader. Today, I wish to share a tale from my younger years, a story that taught me the importance of deference. This tale takes place not on solid ground, but on the shifting decks of a cruise ship.

The Cruise

It was the summer of ’65, and I found myself aboard the majestic Queen Mary, a vessel that was a testament to human ingenuity. I was a young man, eager to explore the world and convinced of my own invincibility. Little did I know, the lessons I was about to learn would shape the rest of my life.

The Lesson

One evening, as the sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, I found myself in a heated debate with the ship’s captain. The topic? The ship’s course. I, with my limited knowledge of navigation, was convinced that a different route would be faster. The captain, a seasoned mariner, disagreed.

Despite his years of experience, I was stubborn and refused to back down. I was so sure of my own knowledge that I failed to show deference to the captain’s expertise. The result? A night spent in the brig and a stern lesson in humility.

The Importance of Deference

Looking back, I realize that the captain wasn’t just teaching me about navigation. He was teaching me about deference. He was showing me that there is wisdom in acknowledging the expertise and experience of others, even when it contradicts our own beliefs.

Deference doesn’t mean blindly following others. It means respecting their knowledge and experience, and being open to learning from them. It means understanding that we don’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay.

Final Thoughts

So, dear reader, as you navigate the seas of life, remember to show deference to those who have sailed them before you. Their wisdom and experience can guide you through the roughest storms and lead you to safe harbor.

Until next time, remember: the world is a vast ocean, and we are all just sailors trying to find our way.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev