January 5, 2010
Marine Corps
We’re one day away from our initial 6-mile hike into the 15 degree darkness of the crucible. Rumor on base is that it is going to be one of the coldest on record…and they’re even predicting snow for Thursday night. As if staying awake in combat-like conditions for 54 hours isn’t enough, God had to sweep over Parris Island with high wind and cold temperatures. I won’t lie. I’m not looking forward to it.
It’s been cold all week. How do I know? For starters…the puddles are frozen and you can see your breath. Another piece of evidence is when you come inside, go to the bathroom and run your hands under cold water and it feels like hot water. The sting is here…just in time to see what we’re made of.
Wish us luck. I’ll be a Marine next time I write a blog post home.
- Semper Fidelis
Keep us all in your prayers!
I keep coming back to check this blog even though I know right now you’re on the Crucible or almost done and I find myself excited for you. Good luck. Can’t wait to hear the blogs about it when you get back.
I thank both you and your wife for this blog. My one and only son left for Parris Island Dec. 12th. A few weeks behind you in the Marine training but like you in a lot of ways.
May I share a short story with you titled
“The Mayonnaise Jar”
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When class began; wordlessly,
the professor picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
‘Now,’ said the professor, as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things – God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else –
The small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So…
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take the one you love out to dinner.
There will always be time
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.
‘Take care of the golf balls first –
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’
One of the students raised her hand
and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
‘I’m glad you asked’.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.’
I pray health and happiness over you and your family. My family extends to you the most sincere and deepest gratitude for your sacrifices, efforts, and heart to serve us and Him.
Be well, Be Blessed,
B
Best Wishes to you and your wife! My husband is a former Marine, but we weren’t together when he went through bootcamp, so its been kind of nice hearing about what it was like for him. Thanks for sharing!