History Lesson

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Matthew 23:37

This morning I am preparing to start another military journey, Chaplain school. While I may have already finished my degree and been allowed to put on the cross, I still have to attend CH-BOLC (Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course). This has certainly made me think about the last 15 years of my military career. 15 years ago today, I was entering basic training in Ft. Knox, KY. I was scared to death my first night there. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. There was no way to prepare for such an environment and it was the first time that I had actually been away from home on my own. It was also very, very, very cold. It snowed the first 15 days were in Basic.

Here in SC it is a little different. I must woke up in my hotel room, walked out to my truck in 45 degree weather where the sun is beaming down. I have somewhat of an idea of what is going to happen over the next several months and I have been away from home so much now I feel like I am at home.

Wow, what a difference in the last 15 years, not just in the way the military runs, but in my preparation for such an event. This morning when I read this scripture passage it made me think of the other preparation that I have had in other areas of my life, especially in my spiritual life. While this may be taken theologically out of perspective what I am about to write is how I felt, so for all my professor and exegetical friends out the, relax.

Over the last 15 years, God has sent some great men and women of God my way to help keep me protected and lead me in the right direction. My parents are first and far most on my list. My Dad, he has been such a wonderful guide and counselor for me. He has always provided sound advice, never pushing the Bible down my throat but living the life that promotes Biblical living. My mom, has always been by my side and a willing listener. No matter what I have shocked her with, she has always reacted with love and respect. Her life has been a living Bible study. Sarah has always been a refuge for me to run to both physically and emotionally. As much poop as my parents have had to deal with over the years, Sarah has had to deal with more in less time. Without her and the kids I would be a total wreck.

There are so many other people no mention, Chris, Joe, Andrew, Corey, Paul, Pepsi, T.J., and about 5 people named John, Pepper, Milton, Ken, Malcolm, and the list could go on for a long time. Why is that important today? Why with this passage. I believe that this passage reminds me that he will continue to send people my way. How often will he send people my way and I not listen to them. God has prepared a group of men and women for me to be surrounded by during this Chaplain course, all of which I know I can learn something from. There will be some to learn from more than others I know but each one of these people has been chosen to be here today.

Where are you in your walk with the Lord? Are you looking at each person you encounter as a possible person God has sent your way to protect you and cover you with his love? I saw a post card the other day that said "There are billions of people on the planet and you are going to let just one ruin your day?" take some time today to look at the people you are surrounded by and see if they may be there to bring you under the wing of God. It may change the way you respond to them and how you view the awesome power and glory of God.