A Ray of Sunshine on a Dreary Day
"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Prov. 25:25
Well, Parris Island, SC may not be a far country, but in this mama's mind, it might as well be.
Today I got a letter from son #1 (Justin) who is at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in training to become a much revered and respected Marine. Snail mail is our only means of communication, so our "mailman Mike" has become even more popular than his usual status here at this address. I can recognize the rumble of his little mail truck when it is coming over the hill about 6 houses away, and I am usually ready and waiting.
Justin's letters are like a wonderful, refreshing cold Mountain Dew on a hot summer's day. We read them, pouring over every sentence like they hold clues to the winning jackpot for today's lottery pick. We try to figure what he may or may not be saying by his choice of words and his vast array of information. We are hungry to hear how he is and what he is doing.
It is just intense to experience this longing and missing of son #1 as he is taking on the most difficult challenges we know he has ever faced in his young 20 years. We ache for it to be FINISHED for him and to know he has accomplished what he has so badly wanted to start for the last 2 years. We look forward to the day we can watch with pride and joy as he graduates from his training. We pray fiercely as he continues to strive for the finish line of this race he has begun.
I believe that God must feel this way about us during certain seasons as He hears our prayers and knows of our trials and challenges and heartaches. He longs for us to be with Him also, but we still have a race to finish here on earth. And hopefully we will run it well, pacing ourselves under His ever watchful eye, turning to Him for strength and patience to complete what we have started. May we give it all we've got!, running for the prize, finishing the last lap with nothing left to give. I know that Justin is, and he is inspiration to all of us here at the Smith home. May we be inspiration to others to press on and never give up, never give in, and never have it said that we gave out, til we crossed the finish line. Glory to Him who stands there beckoning us on!
I love this song. Stay strong! This race can be won!
About Me
- Julie
- I have been married for over 30 years. Through God's plan and grace, my husband and myself are slowly but surely being changed and shaped into the man and woman He wants us to be. We have been plucked up out of the Southern state of North Carolina and transplanted into the Midwestern state of Iowa. God has plans and He works to make sure they happen all for our best. We have 4 precious children. Katie, Justin, Jonny, and Kameron. They are of great value, more than gold and precious jewels to Kurt and myself. They are our most valuable asset on this earth. We love the Lord God, and live to continually try to give Him honor and glory in our words and actions. His grace is sufficient, and the supremacy of Jesus Christ is our strength and confidence. Where we are weak, HE is strong.
My Man "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" Solomon 6:3
Wolverine Fan - Iowa Man-my earthly shield and buckler
1 comment:
Hi Julie and family,
Thanks so much for your blog! This will be an easy way to keep in touch as I am not the best correspondent. You are a gifted writer. Your descriptions bring me right into the moment.
When will Justin graduate from boot camp? Once those recruits step foot on the soil of Parris Island or the Depot in San Diego, that is the prevailing question. Having watched two sons graduate from boot camp, one from each location, I know that you will be a proud mother with a lump in your throat.
Love to your family,
Gloria Campbell
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