Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.
Publilius Syrus

We are living in difficult days. I am speaking globally. And I am speaking about our nation. And I am speaking about the great state of Texas. And I am speaking about my own little life.

Nobody panic. All is well in my home. I am very blessed. But here is the reality of life as I see it.

Globally – The Olympic flame was still burning and trouble was brewing on the Crimean Peninsula. The flame is now out and Russian troops are amassing. The world watches and waits.  How many times have we seen that play out in that part of the world in the last 150 years?

For those out there with better than a sub-standard education, does The Charge of the Light Brigade mean anything to you?

Nationally – Our nation is need of strong leadership. Perhaps more so now than even the days of the birth of our great Nation. The choice then was obvious. Freedom and liberty or tyranny and taxation. But today the choices are not as clear. At least it appears that way.

I think I see a clear delineation. But not everyone does and of those who do see a delineation, not everyone agrees how to address it.  And I am not sure that it is even possible to reach some with a message that we face big challenges and we need big leaders to take us through the challenges that are ahead.

Texas – Here in Texas we are engaged in a battle to see if we are conservative enough. Is there a “litmus test” for conservatism? I don’t know for sure. And if so, would I pass it? Would you? Tonight was election night. As I sit and write this I don’t know who has won and who has lost. I just hope we didn’t shoot ourselves in the foot or wound too many with friendly fire in the process.

Home – Home is where I find joy and contentment and love and acceptance. I am blessed beyond measure with a family that is strong and courageous and loving and caring. But there are still struggles every day that are common to many of you who read these words.

So what is the point on Wit & Wisdom Wednesday? It is simply this. It is easy to lead when times are easy. But times are not easy right now. We need strong and principled leaders at every level of society.  We need more from our elected leaders.  But we need to be doing more ourselves.

Publilius Syrus reminds us that anyone can steer the ship in open calm waters. But it takes a steady hand to navigate the shoals and shallows or ride out a storm without a port in sight.

I want to be a leader with a strong and steady hand when the oceans roll. What about you?

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