What makes the role of the Chaplain so unique is that, often, people find, even those who claim not to be very religious, the Chaplain to be a calming eliminate to the unit. Perhaps it is because most chaplains are not a threat to the other command staff. Perhaps its because most people assume that chaplains have a “close” relationship with God, I mean even General Patton ordered the Chaplain to pray for good weather during WWII. But it seems, if you have a good reputation, that even those who claim to be atheist will come to you, the chaplain, for help and guidance. Some crazy chaplains won't help those who aren’t affiliated with their own faith-how stupid and ignorance. My first counseling session was with an atheist needing to vent about several different things...what a great opportunity to build and unique relationship with a solider who doesn't believe in God.
My first few days have been long but very fun! Most of these days will begin around 4am and won't end till about 930-10pm, but its all fun. Yes, fun, I said it. Odd though that God has called me to this profession because I'm actually an introvert. And yet, I will literally talk to hundreds of these cadets, often more than once, about what is going on in their lives and what they need help with in just one day. I mean, where else will you have so many opportunities to engage in conversation with people who need guidance. Often, the conversation begins with the basics and then it will change to various issues. Other times people exchange jokes and memories about different events in their life. It amazes me the type of people God puts together and in our lives. I often will walk the hallways simply saying “Hey”, “Merry Christmas everyone”, or other greetings. Simply making sure people are doing alright and trying to boost that unit morale up. Each time I'm looking at two main things- 1. Their eyes to see how tired and weary they look and 2. their posture...to see if they are depressed or have a complete lack of energy. Other times I stand before the Dinning Hall giving every high fives, again high fives are cheap to give but can make a huge impact on others.
My first few days have been long but very fun! Most of these days will begin around 4am and won't end till about 930-10pm, but its all fun. Yes, fun, I said it. Odd though that God has called me to this profession because I'm actually an introvert. And yet, I will literally talk to hundreds of these cadets, often more than once, about what is going on in their lives and what they need help with in just one day. I mean, where else will you have so many opportunities to engage in conversation with people who need guidance. Often, the conversation begins with the basics and then it will change to various issues. Other times people exchange jokes and memories about different events in their life. It amazes me the type of people God puts together and in our lives. I often will walk the hallways simply saying “Hey”, “Merry Christmas everyone”, or other greetings. Simply making sure people are doing alright and trying to boost that unit morale up. Each time I'm looking at two main things- 1. Their eyes to see how tired and weary they look and 2. their posture...to see if they are depressed or have a complete lack of energy. Other times I stand before the Dinning Hall giving every high fives, again high fives are cheap to give but can make a huge impact on others.
We had our first round of bible Studies and I tell you what I was at first rather upset by everything. The Army schedule can be quite fluid, meaning times when things should begin and end normally don't happen. And so things are pushed to the “right” or “left” during the day. Well, The first Bible study happened an hour later then planned but I was so encouraged by the 12 cadets that came! We had an awesome time and a great study. The 2nd Bible study had nearly 25 or more cadets! But what I needed to be reminded on is that because how fluid the training can be I need to be flexible and be willing to adjust fire when needed. Nothing is here for me, I'm here for the cadets. A simple lesson that needs to be learned each and every single day.
As I look out amongst the ranks and ranks of these men and women who look so young I can see my former youth students. Many of them are nervous how the world is going to look for them in the next few weeks. Many of them are curious about God and some have massive amounts of pressure to preform well here. And as I look at each cadet my mind is often filled with prayers for them. That God will be revealed to them in powerful ways, that they will have rest each night and ready for the next day. That these cadets will be safe and they will be able to learn well. I find myself praying as much as I talk to all these cadets as they come up to me for the verse of the day or a good word to hear or simply saying, “Hey Sir!”. I find my self seeing each and every single cadet as a son or daughter of worried mom or dad who are thinking how well their “baby” is doing.
Being a Chaplain is and always will be about being with the troops. Looking into their eyes and seeing their hurt, their brokenness and even their joy. Getting to know the troops and how they are doing and trying to provide the encouragement they need to simply get through the day. Being a chaplain is the most humbling experience I have ever had.
As I look out amongst the ranks and ranks of these men and women who look so young I can see my former youth students. Many of them are nervous how the world is going to look for them in the next few weeks. Many of them are curious about God and some have massive amounts of pressure to preform well here. And as I look at each cadet my mind is often filled with prayers for them. That God will be revealed to them in powerful ways, that they will have rest each night and ready for the next day. That these cadets will be safe and they will be able to learn well. I find myself praying as much as I talk to all these cadets as they come up to me for the verse of the day or a good word to hear or simply saying, “Hey Sir!”. I find my self seeing each and every single cadet as a son or daughter of worried mom or dad who are thinking how well their “baby” is doing.
Being a Chaplain is and always will be about being with the troops. Looking into their eyes and seeing their hurt, their brokenness and even their joy. Getting to know the troops and how they are doing and trying to provide the encouragement they need to simply get through the day. Being a chaplain is the most humbling experience I have ever had.