Are You a Mile-Marker?

Every generation seems to have significant mile markers that impact and, at times, define them. My generation has been impacted by major events from the war on drugs to the global war on terror, from the Berlin wall to Tiananmen Square, from Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and from the shuttle Challenger to the events of 9/11.

As I write this I am reminded that I will never forget my experience on September 11, 2001. I will never forget standing on my back porch overlooking the New York City skyline filled with smoke as I watched the second tower fall. I will never forget the moments that followed as I learned of the impact on family, neighbors, friends and classmates who were in those towers. I will never forget the stories of those who stepped up and were called “heroes.” I will never forget.

Today, honored to humbly serve my country as a Chaplain and officer in the USAF, I strive to uphold the Air Force core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do”. What I love about the Air Force core values is that they also uphold the spiritual truths that are found within the Scriptures. In particular, the central core value of service reminds me of Matthew 20:28; “for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.”

If you have accepted Christ as the leader of your life, you have a great responsibility to prepare now for the opportunities that you will be presented with. His desire for you is that you live an “abundant life” (John 10:10) as you live out His mission to “Go into all the world” (Matt 28:18-20). The only way for us to truly live this abundant life and fulfill His mission is to be groomed and fed by the Giver of Life as we abide in Him (John 15:1-11). The question now is, how will you respond?

You see, having accepted Christ we have been given the greatest gift of all. Just like the countless men and women who have stepped up to serve in moments of crisis, even at times gave their life, we too need to be prepared for the moments that will be presented to us. At times, they may not seem like acts of heroism but I would challenge you to think about what role you play in someone’s eternal journey. How will you affect someone today? What value are you adding to their life? How are you serving in response to The One who came to serve you? What legacy will you leave behind? How, and why, will you accomplish this?

Warren G Harding said, “I accept my part with single-mindedness of purpose and humility of spirit, and implore the favor and guidance of God in His Heaven.” My prayer is that we will be able to respond to the salvation we have been given in such a way that we too can be mile-markers in the lives of those we come in contact with. Moreover, that we would infect the world with His grace, as we become more like the Servant who placed a mile-marker for us on the Cross.

A New Dawn

Over a year has passed since my last post, now it's time to start writing again.

I have found writing in blog form forces me to ratchet down my wordiness, getting to the heart of the matter in a succinct manner.

Since my last post, so much has transpired. I have completed my second Masters degree, been ordained for ministry, completed a second Chaplain Candidate tour at Lackland AFB and am currently waiting for my reappointment interview with the USAF to become a "real" Chaplain.

I have not written for so long wondering what I could possibly say that would have an impact on others through this venue. Perhaps the real truth is that the thought that goes into my writing has more impact on me than anyone else--so I will begin to write again. However, my hope is that as you read this you will find something in my journey that can serve as part of the transformation process in your life (Heb 10:23-24).

Just as this photo shows the sun setting over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the place I currently call home, the sun also sets on the old man as I seek to continually be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Though the mountains do not disappear when the sun sets, the dawn renews them just as we are renewed every morning by the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father (Lamentations 3:22-24).