It is the end of the day, I have been in class for nearly nine hours, and my mouth is dry from the vitamin pills I am currently taking. Due to my exhaustion, I will be writing from the top of my head, rather than sitting and constructing sentences that make sense. As a leader, my day has been somewhat frustrating. I won't go into the details, but if I can write out some of what I'm thinking it might help me stay in check.
Here at the DLI (Defense Language Institute) I have been assigned two primary leadership positions: Squad Leader for ten IET soldiers and Section Leader for a class of ten. During my time in the Army, I have learned a lot about leadership. And while it is true that I base some of my decisions on past experiences, it isn't what drives me, nor is it the foundation for my values. This is one reason why I don't enjoy sharing "war stories" or even the things I have done or been witness to.
The Army is big on values. So much in fact that they post their "values" all over the place: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage have become one of my mantras during my career. But if one really thinks about it, these aren't really values. Let's say a situation comes up where a soldier must decide on being a good friend to his buddy (loyalty) or between turning him in (duty). What does he do? Thus, the Army Values aren't really values, rather virtues. They're great to have, but don't help a soldier come to a definite conclusion in their decision.
I guess what I needed to remind myself of was this: If there is one thing I've learned during the span of my career, one aspect of life that I have been blessed to see, it would be that throughout everything Yahweh is present. He is here in Monterey, He was with me jumping out of planes, He was with me in Iraq and the other twelve countries I've been to, and He is here with me now. One of my favorite things about Him is that He never changes. No matter where I go, He's there, ready to accept me for who I am and where I'm at. Because of this, His holy Word has become the light for my dark path. It has become the basis for my values.
Lord, help me today. Help me become the leader and man you want me to become. Allow me to see the world through Your eyes, rather than my own, and help me to remain strong through difficult times, keeping my eyes fixed on You. I rest in Your arms.
4 comments:
For not sitting and constructing your sentences I must say you have done an excellent job at conveying what you are thinking and feeling along with how you are living your life. I think you are an awesome example of a Godly man - thanks for being that example and for listening to God when He calls.
I'm praying for you Jon! I hope that you're doing well! We all love and miss you so much!
Isn't it amazing to know that no matter what our circumstances may be, or what our new endeavors may be God is still the same and still very much in our lives? Thank you for the blog.
Hey Jonathon -- This is one of your cousins (Steve Davis) down here in Jacksonville, FL. Your Uncle Rodney told me about this site. I must say, you certainly impress me. The last time I saw you was at Uncle Ivans funeral. You really make me proud that you have determined at a young age to passionately follow the Lord. Rodney sent me pictures of you receiving medals. Not sure what they were for, but it sure made me proud of you. Keep up the good work. Tell your parents hello for me.
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