Sea Stories
One Christmas, on a visit to America from Zambia, we were at a family gathering, and it had only been six or eight months since Heidi’s Grandfather had passed away. Some of his closest keepsakes and special belongings were at his son’s house; and on top of one of the boxes, I noticed a book called Traditions of the Navy by Cedric Windas.
As I leafed through it, I was drawn in! Every page had incredible illustrations with an old feel. There were descriptions of maritime life, and definitions of a whole new, Navy language that I didn’t even know existed. I also found the origins of several terms and phrases that I had heard. It was fascinating. I took a picture with my phone, of every single page, thinking to myself, one day I’m gonna use this.
And just this week, I was listening to a podcast wherein a Navy SEAL was talking about being a young guy coming into a squadron with older, more experienced operators. He said that when he was able to get them to open up, he loved learning from their sea stories.
Sea stories. Doesn’t that sound magical? To me, it sounds like you should be able to go to your local bookstore and sit in a corner by a bay window on an autumn Thursday afternoon and have someone read you sea stories about battles and adventures from other places, other cultures, and other times!
As soon as I heard that term, I remembered this old Navy book. I realized it was so wise of the Navy to compile, print out, and distribute their culture, their language, and their history into a unique, light and fun book be passed from generation to generation. I imagined sailors on long deployments at sea, in their hammocks below deck reading this book just like I did, and I thought of my own sons and the stories that make up our family’s unique tapestry. I thought of the lessons that I’ve taught them and the ones I’ve yet to properly instill. And I realized how important it is that we all tell our own sea stories.
You see, our stories make up our lives, and our lives are a gift and a powerful testimony! Our lives…your life, was made to ripple down through the generations through our actions and our activities, through our travels and explorations, through the purpose with which we live, and mostly, through our love.
Lions live lives of legacy, and legacy is all about passing down the uniqueness of who you are, what you stand for, what you stand against, what you believe, what you love, where you come from. Legacy is your own personal why’s and how’s.
What grand adventure or life lesson comes to mind when you think of an important story, achievement, or learning experience in your life?
Tell it to someone who matters to you. Tell it to someone you mentor. Email it to me!
Share the wisdom you’ve gained from that nugget – pass it on.
Lions tell sea stories.