Yesterday I had the opportunity to train on the BATS/HIIDE. This equipment takes bio-metric measurements and is responsible for the capture of many wanted terrorists. In short you can take a picture of someones iris, take a facial picture, and scan their fingerprints all in one unit that then uploads the information in to a large database. Amazing technology, but even more amazing are the young warriors using the equipment.
A couple of weeks ago I was put through my toughest physical challenge to date. I participated in a tactical M-4 course in which I had to run 75 yards in full gear (approx. 40lbs.) carrying a 5 gallon water container in each hand. I have to say for a guy who turns 50 this coming Sunday I was impressed with myself. I not only kept up with the young Sgt running the course with me, but I actually hit some of my targets while huffing and puffing. The course included 4 different shooting positions all of which were about 25 yards apart and required you to run for cover. I made it! However, my pride was short lived when I realized that to be one of the guys that meant I had to lug the water containers back to the starting position for the next shooters. I struggled, but I was determined to finish the entire process. One of the Sgt's running the course noticed my struggles and took one of the containers from me. I accepted his help with a great deal of humility, but I was more determined to at least get the last container back on my own, which I did. However, before I made it all the way back the young Sgt I ran the course with had returned his two containers and came back to help me. I refused, but the whole process spoke to me about the type of young men (& women) we have serving our Country.
Part of the warriors creed is to never leave a soldier behind. What I have come to realize is these guys don't just read the creed, learn the creed, know the creed, they live it! When it comes to purpose & conviction, these guys get it.
Paul got it too. After being blinded in his encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus, Paul discovered his purpose. He received clear vision. He was convicted by the Holy Spirit and this conviction directed the rest of his life. Very much like our young warriors, who face great danger with purpose & conviction, Paul went about his purpose with out regard to the pain or chains he would encounter on more than one occasion.
What is your purpose? What are your convictions? Pray that God will give you clear vision to see the purpose He has given you and the conviction to live that purpose.
A couple of weeks ago I was put through my toughest physical challenge to date. I participated in a tactical M-4 course in which I had to run 75 yards in full gear (approx. 40lbs.) carrying a 5 gallon water container in each hand. I have to say for a guy who turns 50 this coming Sunday I was impressed with myself. I not only kept up with the young Sgt running the course with me, but I actually hit some of my targets while huffing and puffing. The course included 4 different shooting positions all of which were about 25 yards apart and required you to run for cover. I made it! However, my pride was short lived when I realized that to be one of the guys that meant I had to lug the water containers back to the starting position for the next shooters. I struggled, but I was determined to finish the entire process. One of the Sgt's running the course noticed my struggles and took one of the containers from me. I accepted his help with a great deal of humility, but I was more determined to at least get the last container back on my own, which I did. However, before I made it all the way back the young Sgt I ran the course with had returned his two containers and came back to help me. I refused, but the whole process spoke to me about the type of young men (& women) we have serving our Country.
Part of the warriors creed is to never leave a soldier behind. What I have come to realize is these guys don't just read the creed, learn the creed, know the creed, they live it! When it comes to purpose & conviction, these guys get it.
Paul got it too. After being blinded in his encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus, Paul discovered his purpose. He received clear vision. He was convicted by the Holy Spirit and this conviction directed the rest of his life. Very much like our young warriors, who face great danger with purpose & conviction, Paul went about his purpose with out regard to the pain or chains he would encounter on more than one occasion.
What is your purpose? What are your convictions? Pray that God will give you clear vision to see the purpose He has given you and the conviction to live that purpose.
