Decca Navigator

One afternoon I was in Buckie and noticed the Fishing Heritage Centre just across from my parking spot was open. I looked in and was accosted by Walter, one of half a dozen aged fishermen who were enjoying a chat and a cuppa together - who offered to show me round and tell me a bit about the various exhibits. There followed an fascinating half hour which left me knowing considerably more about the intricacies of drift net fishing and herring than I did when I had entered the building! 

One of the technological marvels on display that Walter was determined to tell me about was the Decca Navigator. In the decades following WW2 this device transformed the lives and safety of fishermen. Before the advent of GPS and sat-navs, the Decca Navigator was a radio frequency navigation system. By comparing respective Red, Green and Purple radio beacons against a Master frequency it was possible for fishermen to determine their exact position via corresponding Red, Green and Purple lines that overlaid specially printed nautical charts. Particularly useful, according to Walter, in haar or a hooley when visibility was nil, or when nets got caught up in a wreck (the precise location of the wreck was marked on the chart and studiously avoided in future)! 

This twin usefulness of telling you where you are when the landmarks have faded and what to avoid when you can’t see the the hazards put me in mind of part of what is going on for me in this time of sabbatical. Somewhat like the three beacons of the Decca Navigator, I’m looking at the intersection of my own vision, abilities and desires (surely my Red signal), the needs of those around me (family, congregation and others) (my Green signal), and God’s plans and purposes (a divinely Purple signal); each measured against the Master frequency of God’s Word and prayerful discernment. Like those who invested in the Navigator, I too need to know exactly where I am (and where I should be) in terms of vision and ministry, as well as hazards I need to look out for along the way.