During last Sunday’s church service, the pastor posed the question, “Who drives your ship?”

Wow!

Doesn’t that make one think?

Then, after the service I bumped into a friend from high school who stated that he is a boat captain. He explained the specifics and responsibilities entailed in becoming a captain and being in charge of such a vessel.

Similarly, as parents, we are often considered the “captain,” the “leader,” the “driver” who attempts to keep the family unit safe while traveling to a particular destination or — figuratively speaking — into the future.

This train of thought can tie into various aspects of one’s life. Whether planning a vacation, studying for a test, building a home, or simply attending to business, there are certain steps of preparation that must take place.  When planning a trip, many people take the time to check their tires and have their oil changed. When cooking supper, most people think about what ingredients will be needed and if they have them before they begin cooking. When building a new house or an addition to a home, one must design some type of blueprint and then purchase the needed materials. With most things in life, a plan has to be in place and the person in charge must be trusted and dependable or the project or journey could result in devastation.

Imagine the disaster one might face if the leader of a home or business is not prepared for a major storm or a fire. Employees in a business depend on their supervisors and organizational leaders to guide them in the right direction and to provide a safe environment for work. Likewise, children depend on their parents to serve as good role models filled with knowledge and assurance that the home is a safe place to reside.

If you are the leader of your ship, who do you carry as a passenger?

This person or people see your actions and depend on your judgment to lead them wisely.

Are you headed in the right direction?

Whether you have a co-pilot or not, it is imperative that you are instilling characteristics of integrity and are following the right path in life for others to witness. If a vehicle is swaying on the road or a person is staggering in his or her walk, would you honestly choose to follow that person?

Making wise decisions in life requires much thought, preparation, established goals, will power and dedication to do what is profitable and right.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.