Torch, Fall 2003

avoid collisions. Together they must respond to the external conditions, over most of which they have no control. Together they take full sail when downwind and tack when they are head-to- wind. The third is the most crucial: destination. Where is the fleet headed? The ships can sail perfectly, but it does no good if the fleet ends up in Havana when it was headed for New York. Worse still is for the fleet to have no destination at all. Where are we headed as a world, or as a nation, or even as the people of God? Where are we today? More than 90 years ago, G.K. Chesterton wrote a fascinating book called What’s Wrong with the World . He points out that everybody agrees on what the problems are, but no one agrees on what is right with the world or how to right the wrongs. In his book, Preparing for the Twenty-First Century , Yale historian Paul Kennedy gives little hope for Using the metaphor of C.S. Lewis, 1 we are like a fleet of ships on a journey across the ocean. The safe and successful passage of the fleet depends upon three things. First, each ship must be in fine sailing shape. For efficiency, ease, and even joy and low stress, each ship must be in top running order. Second, the entire fleet must sail together, aware of the others to n the presence of greatness, pettiness disappears. Great people, great ideas, great causes, even great sorrow and tragedy make us look at life with eyes that see through trivialities and focus on what really matters. This is why I love college students and the college life. It is the most exhilarating and fulfilling experience I can imagine. Cedarville University family, we are in for a great ride. 6 TORCH / Fall 2003 _|~x TYÄxxà Éy f{|Ñá Excerpts from the inaugural message of Dr. William E. Brown