Anchors Aweigh Almost

The voyage of the USS Manzanita is about done. The Captain gave the order yesterday: Navigator, plot a course for Arizona. I said: Aye, aye, Captain. When the Captain’s on the bridge, everybody pays attention. We don’t get underway for a couple of weeks, but it takes planning and organization to stock supplies, haul out the footlockers, make sure that everything is shipshape so that the voyage to homeport is successful. It’s only about 1,500 miles, and we’re hoping for fair winds and following seas. Our sturdy ship was fully loaded on the voyage here and that’s the case sailing home, too. One extra souvenir T-shirt will sink us. So, in a short time, when all is ready, the Captain will give the order to haul in all lines, call upon the Chaplain to bless our days underway, and stand on the bridge wing as the crew “mans the rails”. With one long blast on the ship’s horn, we are off, leaving behind the wonderful experience of this coastal port, pointing the bow toward home. I will keep you posted as I mark off each day on our “short timer’s calendar”. By the way, I advise standing aside if you encounter the Captain in a passageway. She has a lot to do. 

I share with you the traditional words of the Midshipman Prayer offered weekly in the chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy. While distinctly Christian in wording, this beautiful prayer has also been set in Interfaith language. 

Almighty Father, whose way is in the sea, whose paths are in the great waters, whose command is over all and whose love never fails; let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me so to live that I can stand unashamed and unafraid before my shipmates, my loved ones, and Thee. Protect those in whose love I live. Give me the will to do my best and to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind. Make me considerate of those entrusted to my leadership and faithful to the duties my country has entrusted to me. Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the service of which I am a part. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and keep before me the life of Him by whose example and help I trust to obtain the answer to my prayer, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.