3-509th Unit Ministry Team
"Adventure is worthwhile in itself."
- Amelia Earhart
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Spiritual Sustenance September 2008 |
In Army training there are events which put newly learned skills to the test. These capstone exercises often require us to go into the field because we train to become proficient in performing our mission deployed and away from regular amenities. At the end of Basic Combat training in 1993, my class put all of our new skills to the test during one of these field-training exercises. Little did we know, however, that the weather would be adding a new dimension of challenge to our training.
When we setup the area, the instructions were to dig a ditch around our pup tents in case it rained so water would go around the tent and its occupants. Many of us were proud of our waterways, like children are of a sandcastle. And in case you haven’t guessed it, there was a strong storm that night which left everyone’s ditch over-run. Strangely, what kept my down-filled sleeping bag and me dry was the foam PT mat, nestled between the sleeping bag and dirt. The mat’s right edge uplifted just enough so that the current of water flowing through the tent went around me instead of turning me into a giant spongy mess. However, what truly made me feel secure was our shelter: two pieces of green canvas, one for each Soldier and connected together. And even though the shelter was primitive, it provided the opportunity to stay dry during the storm. Lying there, it was a relief to realize I was still dry and even almost comfortable although the surroundings were clearly in an uproar.
The writer of Psalm 31 knew the feeling of true security in the storms of life. He declared, “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge.” The psalmist reminds us that whatever storm we might endure, our true shelter is with the Divine.
Blessings,
CH Morken
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