Navigator Article: 03 September 2010

The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgment, which enable one to recognize the best method as to attain it; the singleness of purpose; and, lastly, what is most essential of all, will—stubborn will.” -Marshal Ferdinand Foch

I recently spent an hour reviewing photographs from a shoot that we had done to mark the first year of my son’s life. As my wife and I tried to pick out which photos we wanted prints made of, we faced some really difficult decisions. Our particular package allowed for a limited number of shots, so we either had to narrow down the choices or pay more money for the extra shots. In reality, all the photos we reviewed were good, but some were better and it was those that we chose after much deliberation.

In life, we are blessed with many options and choices. Often, those choices that we face are between two good options. Perhaps you’ve had to make such a choice when it came to picking order. Do you take orders to an overseas command or to the carrier down the road? Or maybe you’ve contemplated whether you should spend free time studying for the next advancement exam or instead spend it taking a college class to start your degree. Perhaps you’re trying to figure out where to go on leave—home to be with family, or a road trip with friends to the Grand Canyon. Whatever the decision, some choices are hard!

As we face these kinds of choices then, I think that it is vitally important for us to develop discernment and to have the courage to follow through on our decisions. Don’t be too proud to seek out wise counsel from mentors; do have the humility to accept other’s wisdom. Don’t allow your wants for today drive your decisions; do allow your goals for tomorrow guide your plans. Don’t ever settle for the “good enough;” do have the courage to do what’s best. God bless!