Isaiah 64:1-9

For some of us, adjustment to military life is a struggle.  During the three years I served as an officer on active duty in the U.S. Navy my personal struggle was nothing compared to the nation’s struggle with the Viet Nam War.  In general, military discipline was not difficult for me.  In fact, the Navy sent me to Naval Justice School to become the ship’s legal officer.  (This was a gift from God – being paid to learn about the law with my father and both grandfathers as attorneys.  In addition the school meant that I spent six weeks of autumn in Newport, Rhode Island, with beautiful weather and fall foliage.)

Being the ship’s legal officer and the X Division Officer (supervising the Ship’s Office) meant that I was frequently in direct contact with the Executive Officer.  The XO had been passed over for promotion and was, therefore, being forced out of the Navy.  His bitterness often meant that he was angry.  As the officer he supervised most directly, my sins and transgressions (Isaiah 64:5) were most apparent to him.  However, his close scrutiny of my work meant that my peers less often incurred his wrath. Sure, I did make mistakes.  Sometimes I was actually right, but his rank and position meant that I did things his way.  This struggle lasted for over a year, but I grew and was strengthened by the adversity.

Power is a quality we all associate with God.  Power is also closely connected to the military.  A powerful military can protect a people and a nation and its allies.  It can also cause mischief in the world.  Within the military power comes from rank AND also from personal qualities.  The most effective officers I worked subordinate to were those whose intelligence or experience or inspiration solved problems quickly and often with insight from junior officers. 

God wields power in mysterious ways that we don’t fully understand.  Creator God initiates actions.  Sustainer God upholds people.  Provider God serves us from great abundance.  God’s presence and “personal qualities” inspire us.  We must remember that we are called to be God’s hands ministering to our world, peopled with the children of God.

One lesson I learned from my X Division assignment is that time passes and heals wounds.  Whatever the daily trials were almost forty years ago, they mean little today.  A critical factor in my survival was that I was sustained by my friends, the group of junior officers who were my peers.  Many of them expressed appreciation for my work and for my forbearance.  If the XO was focusing on me, they could accomplish their work in peace.  I learned that personal sacrifice benefits many others.  The supporting presence of the Holy Spirit carried me through this struggle.

Today I carry with me gifts from this early adult experience.  I try to surround myself with friends and allies.  I know that sometimes criticism is not justified and should be allowed to roll away just like water off a duck’s back.  At other times I learn from the comments and perceptions of others, and altering my activities may benefit all concerned.