Sunday 5/6/2012
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."
~ James 1:2-3, NLT
Everyday I get a scripture sent to my email. I read them everyday, many days they are spot on as far as speaking to my life at that moment, some days, not so much.
Right now, everything seems to speaking to my life. Whether it's about family, children, spiritual walk, work, whatever, life is in a constant state of change/compromise/challenges right now.
But nothing comes close to getting ready to send my son off to the Marines. Crazy, even when I write this - my chest tightens.
What was it like for families back when there was the draft? When families, sons, husbands didn't have the luxury of opting out or not ever considering entering the military in the first place? I keep these thoughts in perspective because it helps normalize what my family is going through right now.
The date is on the horizon for Jesse to leave. The reality of this event is that I can't change it, we can't go around it, we have to walk through it as a family together.
I have many well wishers and pray warriors and supporters during this time. I'm very grateful for them. When the topic of Jesse leaving comes up - I never fully say what I'm thinking and feeling. But for the record, this isn't just about me and Jesse, mother and son. It's about Jesse and Jasmine, husband and wife. It's about Gordy and Jesse, father and son. It's about my other 7 children and Jesse and the gaping hole that will be felt when he isn't available to them for playing music, jokes, games, pranks, playing games...A new wrinkle with Jesse is that Aaron will now have to share the importance of November 11th (Aaron's birthday with Jesse now, as it's also Veteran's Day).
So there it is; the serious countdown is on; T-minus 7 days.
2 comments:
It's always the hardest for the families and friends left behind. The missing hole will be great. The Marines will keep him very busy. Which will help him get through the training and begin his new military life. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Tell }essie I'm proud of him!
How precious........... the love of a mother for her son; and the love of a family for their brother. We will all miss Jesse, but what a blessing that the Jesses of this country are being courageous and willing to fight for our freedom. Thank you Jesse.
You are loved.
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