Spiritual Readiness
The following piece was written for the monthly battalion newsletter:
Spiritual Readiness
Chaplain Aristides Fokas
You may be familiar with the saying that “Chance favors the well-prepared mind.” This was stated by Louis Pasteur the chemist who solved many biological mysteries. It has been said of Pasteur that his is one of the foremost contributors to the health of humanity. I think that it can be equally said that “Life favors the well prepared spirit.”
Soldiers in a war zone face a great deal of uncertainty on a daily basis. We do a great deal to insure safety and awareness in missions as build a routine to stay focused. Things in our immediate area may not seem to change much, but around us we might notice constant change. Or we may be facing a great deal of intensity, like the positive event of a marriage or new born child. Or it could be a tragic event like the loss of a comrade or our own severe injury. A healthy spirituality is one that helps us to face the ever changing aspects of our lives with realism and hope.
A Navy chaplain recently shared the story of a Marine who divulged to him that prior to deployment he had committed a serious crime and had “buried his conscience.” Within a matter of days, the Marine decided that it was important to come clean because he no longer wanted to feel dead inside. He had been working in Mortuary Affairs. To his other Marines he seemed constantly off his game, distracted and preoccupied. Perhaps noticing all the finality around him, he may have decided that it was time to “get right with God and the world.” His chaplain noted that when he came to say goodbye and return to the U.S. and face charges, he seemed more at peace and on his way to a redeemed life. The road will be long, but entirely more hopeful than what he had become and what he feared that he was becoming.
Practicing one’s faith prepares us to make life affirming choices even when the decisions are difficult. A mature spirituality recognizes that life is full of risks and consequences. Yet, faith reminds us that God is abounding in mercy no matter what our situation. Openness, flexibility, self-examination, prayer, the reading of scripture, being a friend, alertness a possessing a moral compass is all part of spiritual readiness. All that is necessary is a desire to grow and trust.
You said, "Seek My face", my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord I will seek."
( Psalm 27:8)
Spiritual Readiness
Chaplain Aristides Fokas
You may be familiar with the saying that “Chance favors the well-prepared mind.” This was stated by Louis Pasteur the chemist who solved many biological mysteries. It has been said of Pasteur that his is one of the foremost contributors to the health of humanity. I think that it can be equally said that “Life favors the well prepared spirit.”
Soldiers in a war zone face a great deal of uncertainty on a daily basis. We do a great deal to insure safety and awareness in missions as build a routine to stay focused. Things in our immediate area may not seem to change much, but around us we might notice constant change. Or we may be facing a great deal of intensity, like the positive event of a marriage or new born child. Or it could be a tragic event like the loss of a comrade or our own severe injury. A healthy spirituality is one that helps us to face the ever changing aspects of our lives with realism and hope.
A Navy chaplain recently shared the story of a Marine who divulged to him that prior to deployment he had committed a serious crime and had “buried his conscience.” Within a matter of days, the Marine decided that it was important to come clean because he no longer wanted to feel dead inside. He had been working in Mortuary Affairs. To his other Marines he seemed constantly off his game, distracted and preoccupied. Perhaps noticing all the finality around him, he may have decided that it was time to “get right with God and the world.” His chaplain noted that when he came to say goodbye and return to the U.S. and face charges, he seemed more at peace and on his way to a redeemed life. The road will be long, but entirely more hopeful than what he had become and what he feared that he was becoming.
Practicing one’s faith prepares us to make life affirming choices even when the decisions are difficult. A mature spirituality recognizes that life is full of risks and consequences. Yet, faith reminds us that God is abounding in mercy no matter what our situation. Openness, flexibility, self-examination, prayer, the reading of scripture, being a friend, alertness a possessing a moral compass is all part of spiritual readiness. All that is necessary is a desire to grow and trust.
You said, "Seek My face", my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord I will seek."
( Psalm 27:8)
posted by Chaplain (CPT) Fokas at 10:06 PM
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