The Pilot

The sailboat watches as two rather strange looking boats pass. No, not excursion boats. Not somebody’s houseboat. They are tugs sailing out of the San Diego channel to meet a huge Navy ship entering the port. Tugs are a welcome sight to the Navy ship’s CO because they are going to come alongside and help guide the bigger ship along the narrow channel and into a berth at the Naval Station. Could the Navy ship go it alone? Probably, but risks are much higher without the tugs to lend a hand. In some circumstances, a Harbor Pilot would be onboard one of the tugs and would go aboard the big vessel and actually relieve the Office of the Deck. The Pilot now has the ship under his control for a safe journey to pier side.

I’m thankful for tugs and Pilots who brought my ships home during the Navy Chaplaincy years. They remind me of caring friends who “come alongside” and sail rough seas with me. In times of distress or deep disappointment or death, I know they are with me. They are a steadying force, a source of calm. They help me through the challenges and into the safety of the harbor. And I know The Pilot is standing beside me, the One who has sailed these waters before and knows the way home.

In these days of national and international upheaval, in times of personal turmoil or grief, it is comforting and encouraging to feel the hand on your shoulder. The channel is narrow, but the Pilot knows the way.