Sacred Warrior

Okay, it's a little corny, but it captures much - and it has some inside meaning. Maybe someday I'll post that meaning, but for now it's "inside."

So I began this year with the intent of beign a "monk" within my home, enjoying family life but attempting to apply some monastic discipline to may daily walk. Having quit my job to pursue ministry, discipline was necessary in order to keep me from just sort of drifting from day to day. Early rising, devotionals, a strict diet, a workout routine, etc. I certainly started well, but God has changed the game board altogether.

I will be going to Afghanistan to join back in on the GWOT (that's the Global War on Terror, for those that aren't savvy.) My first tour took me to scenic Baghdad. This one? I'm guessing all over the 'Stan.

Anyhow, this is my blog to share with anyone back home who will read it exactly what is going on (that is not confidential, anyhow) over there. I am on day 5 after receiving the news I was a "go" for the mission, so the shock factor is still evident for the family. My wife is shopping for all the stuff she will buy once I leave to re-outfit our home. She's also moving everything in the house that I normally use (or want in a certain place). My kids are nervous - but I'm still home, for now, so it's far enough away to mostly ignore.

We had a couple of great days on Thursday and Friday, going to Seattle, to movies, to ice cream, to restaurants, etc., just enjoying one another as a family. It was good. I find myself soaking each of them in, just drinking in their facial features, their voices, their attitudes and characteristics. As a father, I also count the time lost - the lessons I wish I would have been more adamant in sharing with my children, but now find myself with too little time to institute.

So I go off again, trusting God with their education, their safety, their development and their provision. They have an amazing mother. Our church is filled with amazing people. I know they will be well taken care of. I worry for my church at times, too. I'm the pastor. But I have a great leadership team. The church will also be well taken care of.

Another walk of faith. Another time away from pretty much everything I know - save the Americanizations that always pop up at our FOBs (Forward Operating Bases). As I told my troops on our way to Iraq over five years ago, this will be a unique opportunity for God to remove me from all distractions and shape me in ways that he could not have done otherwise. Perhaps my family, and my church, need the same? It will be a grand year, I think.