The next time you take a bite of that wonderful grilled salmon, say a word of appreciation for the fisherman and the hard work he or she endured in order to put that fish on your plate. While you’re at it, think gratefully about all those little fishing boats that fight rough seas. But even more, remember that you and I would never have our delicious seafood without fishermen, boats and that little invisible thing that controls the entire process. It is the unseen but absolutely critical rudder that guides the boat that holds the fishermen who catch the salmon that fills the plate before us.
Small sailing boats to enormous cruise ships, it’s the rudder that guides the boat. And the rudder is never seen. It stays submerged in the water. And you can’t leave port without one. So it is with a rudder-less life, no mechanism to guide thought and action. We call the life-rudder by many names: values, principles, relationship. Yes, relationship with the life and teachings of one who claims your absolute allegiance, who calls out the highest good. Today, spend a few minutes thinking about the rudder in your life. What guides you through the rapids and the smooth waters? What motivates, challenges?
I encourage you to consider that the best rudder for a personal life is not a “what” but a “who.” Guided by the wonder and the wisdom of The Spirit, you and I can brave any sea and find our way to home port. We all have rudders. What or who guides your actions in this good day?
Shining Spirit 
What a wonderful analogy – an unseen rudder that guides our principles. Mine is our Lord Jesus Christ and his powerful work through you.