Year Two - Setting Sail

I feel compelled to briefly record my emotional standing prior to setting out on the adventure that is Year Two of this fantastic course. Pre-voyage log entry if you like… before the anchor is hauled up, the sails unfurled, the flag hoisted and the wind allowed to turn the bow to face the open ocean with all its beauty and storms, its life and longing, its ups and downs… you get the point (nothing like a big juicy metaphor to start us off for another year!).

And I must admit that as my vessel floats, strong and proud, in the Holiday harbour I cannot help noticing the many marks and modifications that have been added since this time last year. Truly there is more happening on that ship than ever before. It is larger than it was, not physically but in its influence, its authority, its experience and even its military strength. Looking at this ship I know that it still has far to go, much to see and do, miles and miles of uncharted ocean to explore with many an island to visit along the way, many a battle to win and lose, and although the wealth stored below deck is considerable I know it is only the beginning of the riches it will gather on this voyage. I have little fear as to whether the hull will withstand the harsh conditions it will no doubt have to endure for it is not made with my own material or indeed by my own hand. It was skilfully and lovingly made by a Master Shipbuilder and it belongs to him. Indeed I gave up the helm to him long ago… he is the Captain. Yet I am not, and probably never will be, completely satisfied as I gaze upon this magnificent vessel. My biggest concern is in fact not in the ship itself but in its course. Where exactly is it going? There are so many directions it could sail in, so many places it could go or missions it could undertake… I know there is some unrest amidst the crew as to what the purpose and destination of our voyage should be but again, ultimately, that is not for me to worry about. All I need do is set a course in the direction the Captain tells me. I may not necessarily like the course he has set but I trust him, and so far he has never led me wrong.

But there’s the order. The ship’s anchor is being pulled clear of the water. The time has come to set sail and once again it seems to have crept up on me before I have completed all the preparations I would have liked. I can steer my own ship but the wind and tide I have no control over! A warm sensation of bubbling excitement is rising inside me as I think about the voyage ahead. Who knows where we are headed? The sails are beginning to flap impatiently, the ship is turning to face the glorious unknown… and I better get aboard or it will leave without me!