“1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” — Genesis 12:1
I am not comparing myself to Abraham. However, there was a time in my life where I did feel that I was supposed to “go.” I remember when I finally set out on my own: I was 17 years old and ready to take on the world.
The Marines
My plan was to start this by enlisting in the Marine Corps. I remember that morning I left: the recruiter came to the house to pick me up very early. All I took with me was the clothes that I had on: Staff Sergeant Sanduval said that everything I needed would be supplied for me. I later learned that he was correct!
I left from the Columbus airport. It seemed like there were a lot of stops and layovers on the way to Beaufort, South Carolina. By the time the flight actually got there, it was well after dark. We had to wait at the airport for the rest of the recruits’ planes to arrive.
There was a bus from the depot waiting outside the terminal for us. It was filled to capacity by the time everyone showed up. From the very first step we took on the bus the drill instructor who picked us up sort of changed! His personality went from this guy who was welcoming you there to one of “You’re in trouble now!”
As we crossed the bridge to Paris Island, I heard the drill instructor tell us, “Say goodbye to civilization, for you belong to us for 12 weeks!” It was a very sobering comment and they had complete control over me! Everything from when we slept to when we ate to even when we got cleaned up was under their control.
Footprints
We arrived in front of some barracks. There were yellow footprints painted in rows on the ground. It was then I realized I was in for 12 long, rough weeks. Then, there was another big (and meaner!) drill instructor who stepped on the bus. He said that we had seconds to get off the bus — and most of them were already gone! It was the fastest I ever saw a bus unload. From that point on you done exactly as you were told.
“15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” — Genesis 28:15
Results
I buckled down and did the best I could. After 12 weeks, I graduated in the top 12 of my platoon. I earned the rank of Private First Class and was the Guide of the Second Platoon. But, I never felt alone while I was there. Often, I pulled guard duty and heard other Marines missing home so much. However, I had a peace about me. Once I made it to graduation, I was ready for the next move. It ended up being my next duty station (after a short leave at home).
Home
You can have peace as well. Instead of worrying whether you can make it through the trials of life, accept that there will be a time when we will all go home.
“20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” — Luke 15:20
Once, during a leave I arrived about 3am. When I got home, the lights were on and people were awake. I walked in and mom said, “Naomi said you were home but we told her to go back to sleep! I thought she was dreaming but she kept it up!” See, while I was still in the air flying back, someone was waiting for me.
Doesn’t that sound like the son heading home to see his father? While the son was a great way off, his father saw him coming up the road. You may be a “great way off” today and think, “How can I ever go back?” But, just like any son or daughter that strayed from the path, our Heavenly Father is waiting for your return. And when that day comes, know that in Heaven there will be a lot of rejoicing.
“9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” — Luke 15:9-10
So, not only does our Father watch for you, but there is rejoicing in Heaven when you come home! Everyone who has ever asked Jesus into their heart and gotten saved is there, rejoicing in Heaven for each sinner who repents.
May God Bless you in your life, and may you know the blessing of what it is to be a child of God!