Operation Worship

It is finally starting to feel a little bit more real for me. I have received my orders, booked my travel and stopped eating anything that tastes good. I will be heading out to Fort Jackson soon for training in what is called CHBOLC, which is military for Chaplain Basic Officers Leadership Course.

It is really bittersweet for me. On the one hand I am content with knowing that I will finally begin on my journey to becoming an actual Military Chaplain. I will be learning the basic foundation needed for me to lend worship and counsel to soldiers and their families who are thirsting to hear the wonderful of our Savior. This is what God called me to do, this is why I sit through 8 hour classes every other Saturday. This is why I stay awake until 2 a.m. every morning doing homework and studying. This is why my wife and I have to schedule the nights of the week that I might be able to go to bed with her. This is the calling that God has stamped in emblazoned letters on my mind and heart.

Yet, on the other hand, I will be leaving my family for a period of time. I will be leaving a wonderful wife to take care of three small children all alone. She will have to deal with renters and upkeep of two houses. I will have to sing my girls to sleep over a laptop web cam. I hate the idea that I will not be able to go into the next room and give my little ones a hug. I won't wake up with arms asleep from Faiths little head cutting off circulation during the night. Landon's constant DAAAD, and HIII's are so awesome and lift me up when I think everything is too much to bear. I will not be able to feel my sweet wife lying next to me at night. I will be 2000 plus miles away from any sense of normalcy.

How is it that I should feel both excitement and depression at the same time? These two forces each requiring my full attention and each requiring my complete and undivided attention. I know that my family will make it through this period and that the reunion will be awesome. I just hope that this will somehow only grow my family and faith stronger and more focused then ever.

I am reminded that the scripture never claims our discipleship to be easy. I only ask that the Lord is constantly in front of me and my family as to reassure us everyday that we are part of a much larger and superior plan.

Shalom

Erik