The 3-Letter Word

Since getting the deployment news, Chris and I have thought about many things; milestones that will be missed, our time apart, the boys and their tender, little hearts, Chris living in the desert, etc. We have talked about our time away from one another, how to equip the boys well, details and emotions.

What I haven’t thought about is one short, little 3-letter word that holds a ton of weight…war. This word is just starting to creep into my thinking. My husband is headed off to war. Those are words I never used to think would apply to me. Before I got married, I never pictured myself as a military wife. Then, Chris joined the army. We made that decision together and we knew with confidence that this was part of what God had purposed for Chris to do; who He made him to be. Thankfully, I still know, with possibly even greater confidence that is true! The military has become part of life for us as Chris heads off one weekend each month to serve. But, war is something completely different. It is real and it is scary.

I am not overwhelmed by these thoughts, but they do bring a seriousness that is a good, healthy balance to the laughter about sandstorms and living in a world of one color palette (brown!). As I see news snippets from time to time about what is happening in Afghanistan, it is a sobering reminder for me to be on my knees in prayer for my husband. It is also a clear reminder of the impact that Chris will have while he is there. I know that God has BIG plans for Chris. We might be tempted to think that Chris is headed over to accomplish a mission laid out on paper, but I know that God has a much bigger and much more crucial mission that He wants to use Chris for. How awesome to consider all the people that Chris will touch and the opportunities to minister and show the gospel! Being in a war zone is serious, heavy stuff, but it is also a chance to bring true Hope to people who might be more receptive as they each deal with their own process of being away.

I never pictured being a military wife, but now, I couldn’t be more proud to count myself one of them! I recognize now that just as joining the army was a purpose God placed on Chris, being an army wife is a purpose that God has placed on me! I look forward to embracing that and learning what it truly means in the highs and in the lows.

So, pray for my heart as I process the thought of war. Pray that I would recognize that reality, but not get stuck there. Pray that God would already be preparing hearts for Chris to touch. Pray, pray, pray for our boys.