I like old British sport cars – I have owned three: an MG, an Austin-Healey, and a Triumph TR6. For the record, the Healey was my favorite.

While recently at a beach in North Carolina, came out of a restaurant and parked near by I could see a TR6. It was blue and looked great, so I was unable to help myself – I had to take a look. But as I walked closer, I noticed rust on the bumper. And once I got next to the vehicle itself, I could see rust on the quarter panel, on the edge of the hood, and the bonnet was worn. From afar it looked great, but up close there was decay.

My life has been touched by three men who have and will have no clue of their impact on me. And the combined time of the impact from all three couldn’t be more than 10 minutes. I met them in early June as we travelled to Europe to spend time with my daughter and her family. During the trip we were given the opportunity to go to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. That is where I met these guys. Each one survived what must have been one of the most horrific experiences anyone can imagine. Each of them is what you and I would call "normal" guys - husbands, fathers, the guys next door. Yet they fought on D-day and were present at the 70th anniversary and I had the chance to speak with each one.

At the American Cemetery near Omaha Beach lies over 10,000 men who gave their lives at D-day. This is certainly not all, in fact that is the number that died the first day. The total number of dead for the Normandy campaign totaled almost 50,000. There is an inscription by the central monument that reads:

These endured all and gave all that justice among nations might prevail and that mankind might enjoy freedom and inherit peace

A couple of weeks ago I drove to Pensacola, Florida, boarded a Beneteau 393 and sailed for six days with three other guys and our captain, Kathy Struchen. The purpose was for the four of us to complete our 103 and 104 certifications so we could pilot boats up to 50 feet in length. I enjoy sailing and have had "becoming a captain" on my bucket list for some time.

But like most things in life, there are lessons to be learned and here are ten that I have learned from sailing that you might find helpful in leading your business or your ministry.

About a year ago I began a series based on a trip I was fortunate enough to make with two friends of mine to the refugee camps in Uganda. The purpose of that series was not to focus on the trip, but rather on the lessons learned from the people I encountered. I am going to be restarting that series next week and I encourage you to read it, give me your feedback, and if you think it was helpful to share it with another.