Lost Compass

The Compass

Every adventurer knows how important the basics are. A knife, shelter, clothes, map and of course the compass. The compass gets overlooked in this day of technology. GPS mapping has replaced the paper maps and the phones and watches we all wear typically have some form of compass ability. The traditional compass hasn’t changed too much. Just solidly pointing north. Showing the traveler the way to go. Ensuring they don’t get lost. The compass can’t take you down the path but it sure can point the way.

The Guide

For those who don’t explore the outdoors the compass takes on a different role but can still be just as important. The moral compass. A metal compass and a moral compass aren’t really that much different. They both point in a direction to let you know where you are in the world. Instead of pointing out north, the moral compass points towards the direction of what is right and wrong. The good angel on your shoulder.

In either case, the compass won’t tell you which way to go. It is there for guidance but it can only work if you use it. If someone drops 50 dollars on the ground, a compass can’t make you return it. It can’t even tell you if that is the right decision. It can just point you in a direction. On the trails, the compass doesn’t know where you are going but is there with you on every step to help you find your way.

There are those who rely heavily on the compass and those who just feel more comfortable when it is close by. There is comfort in knowing that anytime that a problem arises or you begin to stray off course, all you have to do is pull out that trusty compass and immediately have the guidance to make the right choice.

The Lost Compass

For me that compass has always been my Dad. The person I could always count on to guide me into making the best choices. He never pushed me in a direction, but instead gave the advice that his experience had given him. The gentle lessons and advice helped me form and follow my own paths that never got too far from center because of the compass that he provided.

I lost my Dad recently and now I feel like I am on an adventure without a compass. At least that is how it feels now. I know that as I move forward he will still be there to guide me. His advice over nearly 45 years has given me a good idea of what true north is. Each path I choose will come from a decision made with him in mind.

Before the compass, navigation was done with the stars. If you knew which star to look at you could find anything. I have a feeling there is now a new star in the sky. One that will lead me along my journey for many years to come. This one will look back as I look up to it for guidance. My own personal star to show me the way. To continue to lead me forward and to be there when I’m just not sure. Or just to brighten the path so I can walk a little further or step a little easier. Just like he brightened my world everyday.

More from The Fatman

If you enjoyed this post you may enjoy more of the posts on my Fatman’s Rambling page. Blogs such as “Screw it, I’m Trying”, “Hiking Alone not Lonely Hiking“, “Winslow, Arizona” and “Another Year” as well as many others may interest you there. If you have any comments or topics you would like me to cover, feel free to email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or you can keep the conversation going by following me on any of the below social media platforms.