Friday marked the end of the general Army training portion, and the most physically demanding phase of Chaplain training. Lucibeth and kids arrived just in time for the mini-ceremony and marching competition. I took the kids bowling Friday afternoon on base, and we drove back to Charlotte for the weekend. We hiked Anne Springs Friday morning, and the kids (and I) had a blast on a swinging bridge there. We had sweet worship and fellowship Sunday at Uptown Church, our old (and new again) home church. Then the White Pearl (Accord) wouldn't start, so I drove the minivan back to Columbia today, leaving Lucibeth to deal with a repair. She is up to the task and is doing a phenomenal job with the household and kids.
Before we were released Friday, we were given an extensive safety brief and reminders of our handbook as to the rules to follow while on leave. There are consequences for breaking the rules, which brought to mind a Psalm I've been camping out in, Ps 119:32: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Lucibeth and I talked this weekend about how God's commands are 'Laws of Love' (thanks Phil Woods)--they are a reflection of his good character, and they are for our good. When we pursue him, and follow him, and live according to his good principles and laws for our lives, we are generally blessed. But when we run off the rails, if you will, we get stuck in the muck and mire until we turn back to him in repentance and faith. This rail illustration was used in Sunday School today as it relates to training our kids, but it is just as powerful for us adults. Thank you God, for loving us enough to give us guideposts, rails, laws of love by which to love. Thank you for your infinite patience for when we jump the tracks--often willingly. I am sure this truth will be often used in discussions with young soldiers who are stuck deep in the mud, far from the tracks, and yet a moment from being lifted out and rescued by our great God.
Before we were released Friday, we were given an extensive safety brief and reminders of our handbook as to the rules to follow while on leave. There are consequences for breaking the rules, which brought to mind a Psalm I've been camping out in, Ps 119:32: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Lucibeth and I talked this weekend about how God's commands are 'Laws of Love' (thanks Phil Woods)--they are a reflection of his good character, and they are for our good. When we pursue him, and follow him, and live according to his good principles and laws for our lives, we are generally blessed. But when we run off the rails, if you will, we get stuck in the muck and mire until we turn back to him in repentance and faith. This rail illustration was used in Sunday School today as it relates to training our kids, but it is just as powerful for us adults. Thank you God, for loving us enough to give us guideposts, rails, laws of love by which to love. Thank you for your infinite patience for when we jump the tracks--often willingly. I am sure this truth will be often used in discussions with young soldiers who are stuck deep in the mud, far from the tracks, and yet a moment from being lifted out and rescued by our great God.
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