Lessons from Ice

I was tasked with taking a crew of media (reporter, producer, and camera person) to a place where troops (Soldiers) have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives daily. Of course with every combat situation, there are some real hiccups. For instance, we were not greeted by the appropriate Public Affairs representative, but me being a Master Sergeant and having plenty of field experience I was able to get us to the right destination unharmed and unfrozen.

Yes, when we landed here via helo, it was very cold, snowy and pretty. Pretty as in the snow-capped mountains that surrounded us. The troops were very surprised, yet helpful to us. They provided us lodging. It was in a tent, and it had heat. We were able to eat three square hot meals a day. You couldn't tell this location was remote at all. I fell right in and began setting the media crew up with interviews and possible news stories.

But the most beautiful thing to me was not the remoteness of the area, but the passion these Soldiers showed to get the job done. I also understood more clearly their desire to provide the Afghan people security, governance, and development. I know, what does this have to do with ice. It has much to do with ice.

Ice is a hard substance. Like many troops, you have to become hard to do what is asked of you. You cannot afford a moment to soften because you will begin to doubt yourself. Doubt only invites worry and with worry comes fear.

Ice melts at a certain temperature, yet remains cool up to a point in time. Troops also melt after a few hard months. That's why we have gyms, television, phones, exchange stores to buy items, and an opportunity to go on R&R (two weeks of leave to go home, or some other destination of our choosing). We need to decompress and relax. This is where we make sense out of it all, before going back into the grind.

We also must be cautious of ice. Tread lightly if you will. Since here, I have fallen four times and slid countless many times from the ice. Whether I am cautious or not, ice is treacherous. The last time I fell, it was hard. I looked around to see what I did wrong, to see who was looking, and what my next step would be. Then I stopped. I realized I fell to only get back up ready for the next step. Like any troop, we have moments of glory and moments of silence for our fallen comrade. As Christian Soldiers, we do the same. We give God praise and glory through the good times, and we have moments when we fall because of our sin or sins. The important thing is not giving up and extending our hand to God to pick us up. You see, God is always there for us ... we only need to look up to Him and hold to His unchanging hand.

So the next time you see ice ... think of God. Stand firm, be vulnerable unto Him and keep looking up to Him because His hand is there to lift you back up again. I know and I'm still here treading lightly on ice with God.