A new season is about to begin in our marriage and for our family. After serving wholeheartedly in the Navy for 20 years, Bill is retiring May 6th.
I can see through our conversations that Bill is struggling with letting go of the life he has lived and known for so long.
The Navy has been his identity. He came in when he was 20 years old.
PRT’s (physical readiness training) have been a thorn in his side.
Duty, a pain that always seemed to come at the wrong time for our us.
The ups and downs of reenlistment, transfers every 4 years, new people and new situations, all of it defining his career and who the Navy has conditioned him to be.
He loves the Navy, loves his job, loves helping others.
He doesn’t love getting up at 4:00 in the morning just to beat the traffic to make it to work on time.
He doesn’t love starving himself for six weeks every 6 months, just to make the measurements and stay out of the “fat boy” program. He is running his last PRT now as I type.
Even in the hard stuff, he still loves the Navy.
As this door closes he is praying for another one to open. A job that will take care of his family.
As I pray for Bill and the other wives’ husbands in this group that are going through the same type of transitions, I am reminded that God is our refuge.
My friend Nichollette sings the most beautiful song about Psalm 46:1.
Each time something reminds us of our situation at hand, I hear Nick’s beautiful voice reminding me that God is our refuge and strength and I find comfort in God’s Word.
“1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah ” Psalm 46 NKJV
I pray this scripture helps you to know, just as we do, that you can run to God, just as a child runs to her Daddy, and know that He has everything that concerns you in His hands.
Let’s pray: God, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). You have invited us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). I come before your throne and ask for grace for our husbands. Strengthen their hearts for the battles at hand and give them patience to wait on You (Psalm 27: 1-4).
Will you pray with Bill and me as we transition from the Navy to the civilian world? We are praying for God to open the door to a position for Bill he will love and will take care of our needs.
Praying for you as well,
Cherie
