The days are filling up more and more. Soldiers come by to talk, or catch me in the field and ask me if I have a minute. I spent the night with a Company in the field last week, and for some reason, the Soldiers love seeing their Chaplain out in the woods, sleeping out under the stars with them. We will continue to do this, about once a month.
I continue one of my favorite aspects of church ministry, and that is following up with Soldiers who have had babies, or who have health problems, who have been hospitalized, or who have family members who are suffering. I love that pastoral, shepherding side of Chaplaincy.
What is most refreshing is that this Battalion of 700 or so Soldiers runs itself, or I should say, is well run by Operations. The training schedule is in place, and it gets updated every week or so. But it is running no matter what. I have no temptation to get involved in operations and try to make it go smoother, my only question is whether and how I am to be involved. What is my place? What is the best place to be today, or tomorrow to make an impact on Soldiers?
Paul tells us in Galatians, "As you have opportunity, do good to all..." Thank you, God, that it is not my job to run the machinery of the unit. Thank you that I am free to maximize my own gifts, to be myself, to not pretend to be anyone else. Thank you that I can be where you call me to be, and I do not need to be anywhere else.
Thank you for the opportunity to share the gospel with a Soldier last week who was leaving the Army, and who was open to receive it. May your Spirit be at work, and may you open his heart to believe your Good News. Thank you for the opportunity to talk to a platoon before their PT run, and to be able to join them. May I always be ready to give a 'word,' may you grant more and more opportunities, and may I make the most of them, as you give me opportunities to be a distinctively Christian Chaplain.
I continue one of my favorite aspects of church ministry, and that is following up with Soldiers who have had babies, or who have health problems, who have been hospitalized, or who have family members who are suffering. I love that pastoral, shepherding side of Chaplaincy.
What is most refreshing is that this Battalion of 700 or so Soldiers runs itself, or I should say, is well run by Operations. The training schedule is in place, and it gets updated every week or so. But it is running no matter what. I have no temptation to get involved in operations and try to make it go smoother, my only question is whether and how I am to be involved. What is my place? What is the best place to be today, or tomorrow to make an impact on Soldiers?
Paul tells us in Galatians, "As you have opportunity, do good to all..." Thank you, God, that it is not my job to run the machinery of the unit. Thank you that I am free to maximize my own gifts, to be myself, to not pretend to be anyone else. Thank you that I can be where you call me to be, and I do not need to be anywhere else.
Thank you for the opportunity to share the gospel with a Soldier last week who was leaving the Army, and who was open to receive it. May your Spirit be at work, and may you open his heart to believe your Good News. Thank you for the opportunity to talk to a platoon before their PT run, and to be able to join them. May I always be ready to give a 'word,' may you grant more and more opportunities, and may I make the most of them, as you give me opportunities to be a distinctively Christian Chaplain.
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