"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world". 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Wow! This is an area I desire deeply to grow in. I daily wax and wane with contentment. Lately Mike and I have been discussing the options of staying in the military or getting out. We've honestly decided on both at one time or another. We needed to decided soon so that if we are to stay in we can start applying for different programs. Last week we were set on getting out, so much so that I opened a saving's account in order to make the transition to the reserves and me working, a bit smoother. This week is a whole different story....... Now we are staying in. We decided that our first plan isn't fool proof and has many risks, too many. It seems we are finally settled, as Mike has decided to apply for the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He starting the paper work today. He was a little anxious about this plan b/c it requires him to write a thesis at the end of the program, and Mike is an extremely slow writer. I personally have no concern, and believe he is brilliant and is able to do much more. That's just me though.
We were hesitant to embrace the military life for 10 more years. It isn't an easy life to live, it stretches us regularly out of our comfort zone, the schedule often exhausts us, and many days the next step we are suppose to take is all we can focus on. But is the grass really greener on the other side? We see civilians struggling with the same problems. I think we've concluded that this life on earth is hard, it is filled with sinful man, and we are among them. We must work to live, but we have a savior promising us a rest at the end of our toil, praise be to Christ our savior! So we no longer long for the day we can get out of the military, as it seems merely a mirage in the distance, 10 years from now. But is does deepen my longing to be in eternity worshiping Christ. It also motivates me to work hard during my time here on earth living each day in light of the gospel and sharing that truth with as many as possible so that they too may know the hope of rest in Him. In the mean time, it will be interesting to see where the wind blows us.