Chaplains on the River

There are probably lots of former Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CampFire Girls and Boys – or parents of kids who were in these youth groups – reading this blog.  The motto “Be Prepared!: has become synonomous with Scouting, and even the American Red Cross, in recent years.  Certainly those of us living along the Gulf Coast are well aware during this season of the year to be prepared to handle possible tropical storm/hurricane occurances at both our homes and on the rivers where we work.

Last week, while attending the rededication of the upgraded simulator and refurbished building at the SCI Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, I had the opportunity to visit the fire training field for the first time.  While I have had fire extinguisher training in the past, the size and heat of the simulator were impressive.  When I remembered that this could occur while underway – and that the area in which to move and work would be restricted to the deck – I began to appreciate how important it is to be prepared to deal with fires on a towboat. 

I hope that none of you reading this blog have to deal with a fire onboard your boat.  But, I am told, the reality is that most inland mariners will have to deal with fire at some point in time.  I do know this:  “fires” will occur in the life of each one of us in some way at some time.  Just as we benefit from training and practice in dealing with a galley, bilge or fuel line fire, we can also benefit from being prepared to deal with “fires” that happen in our lives.

So what can help us to be prepared?  Without trying to sound trite, I would propose several straight-forward practices that will be beneficial:

1. Pray, meditate and take time to be reflective every day.  It does not have to be long, or formal, but take time to pause, breathe, and gather yourself each day.  Many find this useful just before going to sleep, or upon waking up.  Whenever…and however…just do it!

2. Be mindful of relationships.  No matter how strong you may be – or think you are – as an individual, we all need other people!  Every towboater knows how important it is to find ways to get along with fellow crew.  The same is true in our lives in general.  Think twice before popping off or blowing your stack.  Be kind and gentle to others.  What goes around DOES come around.  The greatest strength is a quiet and controlled strength.

3. Don’t try to be a Lone Ranger.  Think about it – even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!  One of the reasons your Ministry on the River chaplains are here is to listen…listen…and listen some more.  If we can pray for you, give advice and counsel, and/or help contact someone on your behalf, we are glad to do it.  When we are on your boat, we are there for you.  Anytime – 24/7, 365 – an MOR Chaplain is available by dialing (800) 708-1998.  Pictured left to right are Chaplains Jim Wilkinson, Ann Mills, and Mike Hammett.

Be Prepared!  It is not just a well-known cliche.  It is a good philosophy to live by on the river and in our personal lives.