Accepting, Redirecting, and Following Through

When I first arrived in Afghanistan it was 14 October 08.  I had no sense of direction as far as what I should expect, and what I could deliver.  I had only 4 hours to get some sleep before departing Bagram and heading towards Kabul.  Of course it took just two hours to settle my racing brain, while at the same time, people were snoring, moving about,  and repacking their military bags before I could actually fall asleep.  I managed to wake up (mildly refreshed) and go to the air field. It was there, the airfield, where things changed.

A sudden chill of reality hit as the announcer said, "please come outside to pay respects to your fallen comrades."  Wow!  I'm here to do a mission and return home in a few months, but it wasn't about "doing" a mission.  As I stood with many other brothers and sisters in arms, I saluted 3 vehicles with a fallen comrade.  Not one sound was heard, but the silence rang loud.  The sound of that Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine I saluted who died for all to have a better way of life.  I could feel them as my heart chanted, "I am that Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine."  

Have you ever considered yourself to be someone who stood for a bigger cause than you?  Someone who stepped out on belief?  Someone who understood selfless service, loyalty, and honor all in one?  You don't have to be a military member to understand those characteristics.  God has instilled those characteristics and more in us already.  We only need to apply them to our lives daily.

So, I'm not here to "just" do a mission.  I'm here to serve God by stepping out of my comfort zone to become someone who stood for a bigger cause than just living life to the fullest.  I've learned to accept who I am in God.  I have redirected my thoughts to become more compassionate towards others.  All I have to do is follow through in Christ by obeying Him and doing His will.  I admit it's hard, but I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.

What are you going to do?