I've actually been able to get off post since my last update -- several times, in fact.
Not that I've done much in the way of ordained ministry things (SFC McG and I have been traveling with another UMT (unit ministry team), and the priest in that team is doing all the "priest-stuff"), but at least we've been out of the office, and out meeting people in other places!
We had a LOT of people at Mass last night, and then I was able to stay for about 45 minutes to chat with the folks who are in the RCIA (Rite for Christian Initiation of Adults) program at this place. A very spirit-filled and spirited worship experience, compared to others since I have been on Active Duty.
Getting outside the wire and back has been an experience, too. It would be really fun, actually, except for the whole people-with-
big-weapons-locked-and-loaded-pointed-out-of-the-windows thing. That of course leads one to believe that there might be other people with big weapons locked and loaded and pointed at us.... That thought has definitely crossed my mind as we've been moving.
Since going outside the wire, I've had the experience of hearing a siren go off, and the loudspeaker proclaim "incoming, incoming, incoming."
No boom, though.
I was grateful.
At the moment there's so much sand in the air we're trapped where we wound up last night (I *knew* I should have brought a bag with me!). No telling when (or by what means) we'll get back.
I'll keep you posted.
Blessings and peace to one and all,
Fr. Tim, SJ
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3 comments:
Get some!
-J
Tim...your blog reminds me of an old chestnut that has been passed down to us since the Civil War (we always referred to it as "The War of Northern Agression") you never hear the one that gets you...this brings to mind several questions...if you were "got" how do we really know if you heard it beforehand? if you "hear it" does that in and of itself protect you from being "got"? Now, down to the nitty gritty...you are doing mindless work that a trooper with a GED could do so where is the logic in having a SJ with a PhD in neurobiology doing it? Remember, humility aids us in many things...the troops see you doing mindless and mindnumbing work...somewhere I remember the phrase find God in all things and all people...let the troopers see God in you, doing mindless and mindnumbing work in a cheerful manner..it will go a long way and will aid them conecting to you when they need you...still praying for you as are all of the members of St Margaret Mary
Somehow the concept of giving you advice boggles the mind. Not that you are above needing it. I just think the onlt real thing I can offer you is that fact that I pray for you, and that I love you. Those friends of yours you mention often have the right idea -- I quote your blog of some days back: "Thank God that over the years I've had lots of friends who go to AA and Al-Anon (and other 12-Step meetings) who have taught me that by identifying the "powerlessness du jour" I can be reminded that "there is One who has all power. That One is God. May you find God now." I think those people are on to something! The first Step says, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable." What my friends who go to Al-Anon meetings (in particular) have shared with me is that my life will be more or less unmanageable, depending upon how I deal with (or not!) the powerlessnesses I'm experiencing."
And I think you're doing a fairl good job of that. Those friends have taught you well; you seem to have learned well.
The main drift of this commnent is some personal stuff of my own -- but writing you, I have found solace I much needed -- and you will see why in a second.
All goes about as can be expected here. Recovery from surgery has been great, but it appears the hearing loss probably will be permanent. It is even questionable whether I ever will be able to listen to music because it is accompanied by pain. I am struggling not to feel sorry for myself -- late nights dealing with the gut pain were manageble partly by listening to wonderful choral music -- Rachmoaninoff's Vespers in the dark at 4 a.m. can be soothing.
Now it hurts my head to hear the music. They say hearing aids can do wonders. But good ones are very expensive -- way out of my range.
{NEW COMMENT: Yes, I am powerless over what happens with my hearing, and whether I'll ever be able to enjoy music again -- one of my greatest joys. But I am not powerless over how I deal with that. I just need to give it to God. And that is something you have helped teach me. END NEW COMMENT}
But the main reason for this E-mail is to give you my nephew's name and E-mail address, in case you two ever can "meet." I described you to him; he liked what he heard, and not just because I gilded a lily that needs no gold.
His name is Maj. Joseph Huss; he is an Army artillery officer. His E-mail address is jamrhuss@brensnan.net If you do write, add his name Joseph Huss, as the E-mail also is his wife's, Andrea.
Since I don't know whether this will get through to you this way, I am going to Copy and Paste it, and make it a comment on your blog. If that is a violation of protocol, please excuse it.
God bless all here and there.
Bert
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