The Laws of the Lighthouse

Have there been moments in your workplace or personal life when you thought you were right and did not see the need to change, only to face a big disaster? Many of you have heard of the following anecdote, which illustrates the perils of stubbornness and the need to change. 

In U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, the magazine of the Naval Institute, Frank Koch illustrates the importance of obeying the Laws of the Lighthouse.

Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. I served on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge, monitoring all activities.

Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.” “Is it steady or moving astern?” the captain called out. The lookout replied, “Steady, Captain,” which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.

The captain called the signalman, saying, "Signal that ship: We are on a collision course. Advise you change course twenty degrees.” Back came the signal, “Advisable for you to change course twenty degrees.” The captain replied, "I am a captain. Change course twenty degrees.” “I’m a seaman second-class,” came the reply. “You had better change course twenty degrees.”

By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “I’m a battleship. Change your course twenty degrees.” Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.” We changed course.

Wise decision, huh? I like the title, The Laws of the Lighthouse. We don’t break Lighthouse laws; Lighthouse laws break us. Our hubris, determination, blind vision, selfish search for significance, stubbornness, or ignorance, running full speed ahead in our battleship of life, is no match for the solid rock the lighthouse sits on.    

Author Max Lucado says: “The Laws of the Lighthouse contain immutable, immovable truths. Real lighthouses have four characteristics: They warn you of potential danger. They signal safe harbor. They are stronger than the storm. They shine brightest in the fog. 

The problem is there's no problem until there's a problem. Let me explain. Consider the scenario of not changing course. Five seconds before the battleship hit the rocks, there was no problem. Five seconds later, the battleship, the captain, and everyone else on the ship had a big problem. Sound familiar? 

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, quests, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths defining how we should navigate our lives. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the lighthouse's signal. A wise person does the same."

Yes, there are immovable, immutable truths in life we all need to know. Choices do have consequences. The truth often makes us miserable at first, then saves our lives second. Someone once said, “You don’t break The Ten Commandments – The Ten Commandments break you." That's hard on our hubris and current pop thinking, right? Many of us were raised with the attitude of: ‘I know everything, and what I don't know won't hurt me.’ This attitude sounds like that of the captain of the battleship. Be mindful that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed. 

Once, I posted a saying on Facebook, "I'm not young enough to know everything." Like cell phone flashlights at a Rolling Stones concert, the 'likes' lit up my page. 

Here are some personal questions for us to consider concerning the Law of the Lighthouse from life coach H.T. Lee. “What could represent the battleship and lighthouse in my life or workplace? What would or could happen if nothing is changed or moved? What cannot be changed or moved? What can be changed or moved? Where do I need to be more open to unknown possibilities? How can I cultivate more wisdom and flexibility to steer skillfully out of danger?” That's excellent advice. Be teachable, not offended. 

Remember, God sent Jesus so we could arrive in the safe harbor of eternal life. Jesus warns us of potential danger. Jesus signals that safe harbor. Jesus is stronger than the storm. And Jesus shines brightest in the fog. Remember what was said before in this article? "The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the lighthouse's signal. A wise person does the same."

Please don’t get upset with me for writing this article. All I’m trying to do is put us in a position to succeed. And remember, the only thing worse than adjusting your course is wishing you had.