Have You A Steady Compass?

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Tomorrow I start the final chapter of my third book. It’s been a long four months since I commenced the third book of the Kirkwood Scott Chronicles back in August. A lot has changed since then, but a lot hasn’t. The United States of America has a new president but is still ravaged by a pandemic which claims more and more lives with each passing day. The scientific and medical experts ask us to wear a face covering and avail of the vaccine when it arrives.

In Northern Ireland the official death toll from coronavirus related deaths now stands at over 1100, although many fear the actual figure is much higher. Restrictions have recently been eased but there is a real fear the virus will spike again over the Christmas period leading to a very dark January for our small nation. As with everywhere else, the crisis has brought out the very best in some people but, unfortunately, the very worst in others.

Don’t ask me about Brexit, the other great national debacle we are currently lurching through. I have no idea what is going on there and all this talk of hard borders and trade tariffs causes my eyes to glaze over. I’ll stick to writing, blogging and being the best father, husband and friend I possibly can. Because throughout this all my own personal roles and responsibilities have stayed unchanged. My own moral compass must remain steady while the world around me spins out of control.

I’ve noticed the blogging community a lot quieter as well. There’s been a lot less interaction and traffic. Some favourite bloggers have disappeared off the face of the planet, others continue to post but don’t call round to say hello anymore. It’s been a very strange year and I’ve read some very strange posts which have surprised and, on occasion, shocked me. It’s not for me to respond or judge though. WordPress is a community for freedom of thought and expression. I might not agree but I’ll keep my powder dry. I don’t need the drama.

Drama. Some thrive on it, crave it and go out of their way to hunt it down. They court controversy and set out to divide opinion and ruffle feathers. It’s not for me. I’ll quietly post and keep writing my books. The world is crazy and angry enough at the moment without me getting dragged into the mire. Wherever you are in the world today I hope you are safe and well. Value your loved ones, follow your dreams, but also remember to keep your feet firmly rooted to the ground. A steady compass will guide you through the wildest storm.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

41 thoughts on “Have You A Steady Compass?”

  1. As I understand it, the border situation re controls and trade between NI and Eire has been agreed, deal or no deal. But then, I’m no expert and no idea if it’s a ‘good’ arrangement. Whatever, I look forward to the day when COVID and Brexit are not the first item on the news and receiving your 3rd book of course. 😊

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  3. “I’ll stick to writing, blogging and being the best father, husband and friend I possibly can. Because throughout this all my own personal roles and responsibilities have stayed unchanged. My own moral compass must remain steady while the world around me spins out of control.”

    That is the best advice I have seen throughout this whole year. That’s really the best thing any of us could do. Of course, we would all put something different in place of “writing,” perhaps. 🙂 But those are my responsibilities, and, like you, they have not changed for me, and they won’t. I’m working on keeping that moral compass steady.

    Thanks, brother!

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  4. I am firmly lashed to my ballast, my anchor, my compass, couldn’t get through this pandemic without it. I have been quiet for several reasons, one of which is my return to the work a day world. Here in Alberta, Canada the government has passed strict new regulations as the number of cases sky rocketed through November and into December. It’s a solemn world here at the moment. Hubby and I continue to live life as safely as we can.

    I have not been following the news, so I have no idea what’s going on. Like an ostrich, I’ve had my head buried in the sand in an attempt to keep my sanity. Wishing you and yours all the best. Please stay safe.

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  5. Some of our neighbors have “No Soliciting” signs on their doors. If we had a door sign it would be “No Drama”. Thank you for reminding all of us what’s truly important.

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  7. You say it’s not for you to judge, you obviously ARE judging though.
    That’s fine. Go ahead and judge. I just think it’s a tad disingenuous to present yourself as so above it all and so wise, when you are both judging and responding.
    I don’t see anything wrong with people having disagreements or voicing controversial opinions. You do. So just own it. Be judgmental. You’re already doing it. It’s fine to be judgmental. But you can’t do both: be judgmental and also act like you’re too good and wise to judge anybody.

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  8. Steve I am one that you are probably talking about ;-). With all the shenanigans, pandemic that is out of control and other stuff going on over here, the brain is constantly on overload and I just don’t have the energy or brain cells left to write, post, or comment very often. This too shall pass and like everyone else I will adapt to whatever the new normal turns out to be in our topsy turvy world that has been put on its head for at least the past year or two. I still read your blogs when published and have certain books on my Christmas list, so we will see if they show up or if I have to go on Amazon with a gift card after Christmas. 🙂

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  9. Absolutely! There has probably not been a better time to connect with your compass and stick to it. My faith tells me that “this too shall pass,” but I regularly catch myself wishing it would pass more quickly. Best of luck with your last chapter! That is such an impressive accomplishment.

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  10. I haven’t read any blogs in a good while and was so glad I chose yours today! Well written and a great reminder that no matter what happens in the world, we still have choices to make everyday that affect those close to us.

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  11. I think your compass is perfectly steady as is mine. I’ve been in a huge transition of selling my RV and moving this week. All the noise of this world is just a huge interference of what truly matters~and you summed it up perfect, as always. I’m excited to start a new year of writing and reading. And congratulations on being such a fabulous writer~and more importantly, a Father, Husband, and friend to many. Such wonderful wisdom you e given us. Stay safe and healthy. 💚

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  15. A fabulous post, Stephen. I do have a steady compass, it takes a hammering from the onset of the “Roaring 40’s on occasions.” Sometimes, it doesn’t work too well when moving through the Bermuda Triangle 😂 Then, it wavers when encountering the magnetic pole. However, it always recovers and I can thank my “First Mate” for that.

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