The Guiding Compass

From our company’s website, as part of one of our messages to our Members … “Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” — Brad Henry

I know a young man who is intelligent but self-absorbed, so much so that he fails to communicate with his family on a regular basis. I see his parents unable to get through to him and I have tried too, to no avail even though we have been friends for years. He is not carrying that compass … it is a tool missing for him. And it prevents him from building a bridge that in his heart, he knows is long overdue.

It made me think of the compass that we have in our own lives. Or maybe there are several. I think for a long time, work was my guiding compass. It rode over any other guide, to my disadvantage in many ways, especially as it affected my marriage and family. As I’ve gotten older, I realize that family is a far better compass, as is God’s Word. I am more drawn to both but see the powerful truth behind the quote above.

We are never alone if we have family. It may be our nuclear family or a new family, like a small church group, old school mates, a men’s spiritual group, a book club that cares, our workplace. There are many families where our values are played out and confirmed. But it is our first family that can be there for us most … they will be there to help us, whether we are reaching to greater heights or finding our way back up.

May I always remember to espouse that value for everyone I know and touch.