Wednesday, March 2, 2016

My Inspiration


As I sit here, a really good friend of mine continues to cross my mind.
A few months ago he made the big decision to join the military and just yesterday he left for basic to join the Minnesota National Gaurd.
I am so proud of him for making the decision because, for one, not everyone can join the military simply because it's not for everyone. It truly takes a special person with a big heart, a huge passion, and a deep willingness to do whatever he can to help. But...that's exactly who he is.
He is hilarious, sweet, and a gentleman with a huge heart and he has the willpower to change the world. And I have been beyond blessed to have the honor of getting to know him recently. 
As the months went by, weeks ticking down, and days sped by, until his departure, his nerves kicked in and he began getting nervous.
On his way to the airport yesterday, I told him, hey, you may have butterflies in the pit of your stomache but that signifies the fact that you are simply stepping out of your comfort zone into something completely foriegn to you. 
And you know, yes stepping out of your comfort zone is nerve racking, scary, and, sometimes, heart breaking, but if you allow it to, it can make you grow immensely. A person doesn't grow where they are comfortable. Why would you? You don't need to? There's nothing being required of you, no challenge. No task beyond the task. There's no future. 
Those days that you cry, that you're nervous, that you're upset, those are all times that can either break you or make you. And if you choose to let it make you, you will grow beyond what a person thought possible.
And that, my friends, is why I am so proud of him. I am proud of him stepping out of his comfort zone. I am proud of him being willing to give up his family for the war of freedom. I am proud of his selflessness. I am proud of him sticking with it. I am proud of who he is yet to come. And lastly, I'm proud of him for doing exactly what God meant for him to do for such a time as this. 
Let us take him as an example of how to live. 
Dill, you're truly my inspiration.
I am so excited for you and everything that you will be going to be doing but also everything that you will learn about yourself as you go through the process of training. Take this opportunity and fly with it! You're going to grow physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally charged and I truly believe you are going to arrive back home a changed man.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, In the times you find yourself in a situation that may be difficult, when you feel down, frustrated, alone, or upset, or just want to give up, remember deuteronomy 31:8. "The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear nor be discouraged." He will be there for ya, through the thick and Thin.

To my dearest friend, even though you cannot see this, this blog post is for you. I love you kid.  You've made an impact on me and my life. I miss you already and I am praying for you!