I had just got back from my first deployment and I was fishing with my kids when I got an unexpected phone call. I had spent 9 months away from my family in a combat zone, ministering to Troops and many others in a foreign land. There were many obvious "God-moments", but at the same time, I desperately missed my family.
The phone call was from a Senior Chaplain asking me if I was interested in pursuing Ranger School. He wanted me to consider attending a Pre-Ranger Course and being one of the few chaplains that ministers alongside Army Rangers.
I was honored for the consideration. I felt undeserving of it. I was a PT stud at the time. I always maxed my PT score. I could keep up with the young bucks. I had already graduated Air Assault School. I had actually prayed many times that God would use my strong health and athleticism for His purposes. When I first got the call, I thought maybe God was opening a door for me to walk through.
However, as I spoke on the phone with this Senior Chaplain, I looked into the eyes of my young children. My precious daughter was just 7-years-old. My amazing son was only 3. They smiled back at me with their cute kiddie fishing poles, reeling in little bluegill and sunfish. I had just spent several months away from them. I missed treasured time. As I began to think about the prospect of going to Pre-Ranger and possibly Ranger School, I felt overwhelmed about the amount of time I would be gone away from them again. I'm their father. Yes, God took good care of them during my deployment. Yes, my wife is amazing and always provides so much love and care for them. However, I couldn't stomach the thought.
It was perhaps one of the worst times to receive that call. My headspace wasn't ready to be gone again. However, I've always understood that my calling is to God and to be faithful to where He leads me, even if that does mean I spend time apart from my family.
With that said, I did earnestly pray over the opportunity, but God very clearly led me away from that pursuit. There is no doubt that He has called some Chaplains to that form of ministry and chaplaincy. He would allow me to use my strengths in other ways.
BUT....
I also must confess that my calling to serve Him in this capacity didn't just come with a call to be a missionary to Soldiers. Yes, that's a big part of this ministry. This calling was also about pursuing a way to minister and take care of my family.
Its always been a huge part of the call God has placed on my life. As a youth pastor, I was paid very little...even in a large church. I could barely afford health insurance. Now, I'm not trying to submit a sob story. God gave me and my family some amazing opportunities in student ministry. Plus, I would have continued to be faithful to His calling in that arena, trusting that He would take care of my family if God wanted to keep me there. However, I have watched since day one of Army Chaplaincy how God has blessed my family abundantly. I'm not strictly talking money. I'm talking about experiences, opportunities, and people.
Through our time in the Army, we've lived in four different homes in three different states. We've traveled all over the United States and beyond. My kids have had opportunities to lead worship as children, have formed relationships with people all over the world, have seen God's amazing creation from the West Coast to the East Coast (beaches, mountains, farmland, and forests), and never had to worry about their needs being taken care of.
They're blessed. We're blessed. The biggest opportunity and part of this calling that I'd highlight is the fact that in our calling to Army Chaplaincy, God also called us to homeschool. My wife, who was already equipped as a teacher with the college education and experience, has been instrumentally used by God to pour into our kids. It's unbelievable the foundation homeschooling gave both our children. They have strong biblical conviction, a joy for learning, and have also learned how to communicate effectively with their peers and adults. It helped launch my daughter into an outstanding Christian college. She just finished her first year at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. She excelling and continuing to pursue opportunities to minister and serve the Lord, especially through her musical talents and passion.
My son is about to finish up 8th grade. The last few years he has been hybrid homeschooled, attending Chapel Hill Christian Academy two days a week in addition to his school at home. His foundation is incredible. He has also been able to play school sports and enjoy his passion of being a part of a team and leading.
I have no doubt that God brought about these opportunities as a part of our calling to Army Chaplaincy. So, while I will frequently say that God has called me to minister to Soldiers and their Families, I will also say that God has equally called me to minister to my Family through Army Chaplaincy. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Now, today we are currently a few weeks out from moving to our fourth state and fifth home in the last 14 years. Its extremely hard to leave Fort Campbell and Clarksville. This is actually home for us. We've been so blessed to be able to do this ministry and be home. As we stare down a new place and new ministry location, we must be reminded of how faithful God has been. I will continue to minister to Soldiers and at the same time to my family. This is my calling.
After much prayer and consideration, my wife and I have decided that its time for my son to take his foundation to the public school arena. And truthfully, we're at peace. We know He will be successful, but more importantly, we know He will be a light for Jesus in his school.
Change is hard. I don't always like it. My heart longs to settle down in one place, get to really know people, and be home. I look around at others who are able to settle down at home and I will often times be envious.
But, I love serving God and He is always faithful. My true home is with Jesus one day in eternity. I will eventually have that which my heart longs for. Before that day comes, God will continue to show me His blessings, take care of my family, and give us amazing opportunities.
God calls us all to make disciples and to be ministers of the gospel. Specific details of how we carry out those callings can look unique. Mine will always include the calling to serve Him as well as my family. I must never put my family above Him as an idol. I must trust when He calls me to be away. However, make no mistake, He has called me to be a father that loves and disciple his children and a husband that loves and cherishes his wife.
I am grateful for that calling.
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