One Year (Part One)

I'm really quite a busy person these days. Between having an on-duty weekend, classes, briefings, studying, socializing, and everything else that is packed into a day, I'm surprised that I'm able to find any time at all to sit down here and post something coherent. But I promised that I'd get this on here today, so here's...part of it. Hopefully I can managed to type up a bit more tomorrow. Like I said last week, all of the following thoughts and ramblings were intended to be expressed at the end of April, so I apologize for the half-month lateness...

...

Right around this time last year, I solidified my decision to join the United States Air Force, which set into motion the astounding series of events that have led me to where I am today. Needless to say, it's been quite a year. If the me from today were to go back and meet the me from a year ago, I don't think they would recognize each other. I've been wondering lately who exactly I was before April 2009, considering that much of what defines me - my career, my interests, the things people tend to associate me with...my whole character - was all initiated only a year ago. The foundation for this drastic turn-around is, of course, my relationship with my Savior. With my desire for a lifestyle change came a wonderful spiritual reawakening and a renewed reliance on Christ and The Word. My journey has been one of pure faith. Without Him, and without me being able to humble myself enough to unquestionably trust Him, there's not a chance I would have made it through any of this. In early April, when the Air Force seeds were first planted, I realized that the first thing I needed to set straight in order to move forward was my spiritual life. I had to develop more of a constant connection, a day-to-day, minute-to-minute walk side-by-side with Christ. As I pondered the possibility of military service, I discovered that the more I was able to work out my spiritual relationship, the more sure of myself I became in accepting the career route. The path was clearly being laid out for me by the Highest Authority and I finally reached the point where I became absolutely sure that I needed and wanted to take the step of faith and walk His road. And I haven't looked back. The constant connection I've had with Him has allowed me to give Him all the praise for every step, and I can take each new step in confidence, knowing that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. From the desire to move forward in life and to buckle down spiritually came the need and occurrence of various aspects, details, and habits of my life shifting. For the longest time, I was quite ashamed of my life and my situation, to the point where I had a tendency to want to distance myself from people; to (forgive the reference) forsake my friends and break all bonds of fellowship. No longer is there any shame. To know that everybody I know has supported me through all of this means more to me than I could possibly express.

(to be continued...)