I've only got eleven days left until Army lets me go...it's absolutely unreal. I will say that sometimes I worry about making the right decision. It's common Army knowledge that getting out at first opportunity isn't exactly the most secure or profitable avenue, nor is it paved with glory and purpose. I had a commander ask me the other day what job I had lined up, and after hearing a reply, he gave a quick chortle and went on to more popular conversation with other persons. It's honestly what I expect, though.
Army, as a community, is very tight and united on its purpose, its goals, its beliefs, values, and norms of conduct. What I'm doing goes against much of that, and the subliminal backlash has been evident in more than one occasion.
But let me not get too far off the point. After reading over Phillipians 2.7-11 this past weekend, I've realized that there is a very good reason for me to go this way. Not that I'm as awesome as Paul, or that I was hit with lightning that drove me to leave Army, but that there's a point to this madness. That there's a very good reason to put all-in on God. It seems that not a lot of people get the opportunity (or take the chance) to do such a thing. Win or lose, succeed or fail, I feel this is one of those things I need to do, and it will bother me until Jesus comes back if I let this go. I kind of liken it to people who want to climb Mt. Everest, or hike the Appalachian Trail in one go--not everybody gets the 'bug,' but if you get it, it's going to stare you in the face until the task is done.
And so, instead of mulling over why I carelessly related abandoning a career to do ministry to climbing Mt. Everest (and the repercussion of grossly inaccurate statements like that), I'm going to post a song that has been running circles around my mind as of late. There's nothing too special about the music itself, but the lyrics are haunting when you dwell on them.
May we never end up like "that guy."
Mike was right when he said I'd put up
A fight to be someone, a fight to be me
But see now, I'm down
Under the pavement
Of Capital hills and lowercase people
As time rolls by my dreams have become
That which is attainable
Not what I'm looking for!
-Chorus-
I've got the company car
I'm the one swinging at two below par
Yeah, I've become one with the ones
That I've never believed in
But I've got the company car
(Hey!) I'm the king of things I've always despised
I'm the gingerbread man
Who got eaten alive
I'm half baked! I'm fake!
But see I've got hotels on
Park Place and Boardwalk
And two hundred bucks
I pass go but, Oh! Life's taken it's toll
Have I won Monopoly to forfeit my soul?
Chorus
All the kings horses
At the foot of the wall
They're taking pictures of
The man who's lost all of his
Masks of pretension
He's got two faces left
His is the one that he hides
On the left behind that smile
Hiding tears and fear
That burn like an engine
It drives him away
From the ones that he loves
Mike was right:
"Hey Mike! We're one and the same
We're the faceless combatants
in the loneliest game"
Ah but say, I'll wave as I'm driving by
With that smirk in my eye, yelling
"Hey, I'm something man, check me out!"
Chorus
-Company Car by Switchfoot
That is encouraging man! 11 days!?! I am pumped for you and Danielle. And just so you know Lesley and I (Jacob would also agree to this) think you are doing the right thing. You are going to love Seminary. I still do. Not just gaining knowledge, but learning about scripture and then assimilating that knowledge to counsel and lift others up. I think I am leaning toward a pastoral counseling ole in the church eventually. You know when I actually finish (somewhere between 2010-2020). Right now I'm praying for a promotion at Starbucks and Lesley's belly is growing larger. The baby responds to my voice. It is pretty sweet.
ReplyDeleteNow about politics. To be honest, I am involved with politics like I am involved with sports. I read some, try to make an informed decision. If my team wins, then sweet, if not then I adapt. Ultimately if Christ has come and done what he has done then we are really just electing a janitor every election; someone who will maintain things for a bit until Jesus gets back. I just want them to clear the playing field for religious liberty so the church is free to share the gospel. I'm not sold on the idea of USA as a christian nation. It reminds me of the Family Guy episode where Peter tells Lois that Congress passed the ten commandments for a reason. Anyway, that's my take.
I like Donald Miller to an extent, but not his buddies. Rob Bell is going down a bad path and he is dragging his church along with him.
Oh and I'm not voting for Obama because he's black. And a terrorist..and the Anti-Christ. I had a conference call with Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye and they set me straight about all of it.