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Deploying or Not? That Is the Question.

in Encouragement· Faith in Action· Military

We’ve been waiting on news for months now. Well, we have news, but the news keeps changing. One day, my husband is “hot to deploy.” The next he’s not going anywhere.

And so it goes back ‘n forth like the ocean’s tide moving in and out. At this point, I am mighty tempted to plop down, plant my feet in the sand, cross my arms and grunt, “Well! This uncertainty is unacceptable, and I’m not gonna take it anymore!” But, assuming this rigid position for too long will eventually find me staring off at the crashing waves {pretending nothing will change} or holding my breath as they knock me over {wallowing in what-if’s}. Either extreme doesn’t make for the good life. Sure, sometimes I’m content to watch the ocean, but I don’t want to just stare at it. And I don’t want to drown in it, either. So, from time to time I get up, splash in the waves, or dive right under.  I go with the flow, bend into His arms and rest in the One who doesn’t change like shifting shadows or the tides.

Right now, we are on the he’ll-be-home-for-the-foreseeable-future side of the fence. While I’m mighty grateful for this, I’m not ready to dust the beach sand from my hands and wholeheartedly count on it. Because every military wife knows plans change on a dime.  So, our lives moves along with a plan B always ready.

But I can wholeheartedly count on knowing – and really believing – that the God who measures the waters in his hand and holds the dust of the earth in a basket also measures and holds our future. And your future, too.

And I can wholeheartedly be thankful – ever so thankful! – that my man is home living life with us right now. In the end, isn’t the gift of today all any of us have?

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Filed Under: Encouragement, Faith in Action, Military

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Comments

  1. Shari@Rain into Rainbows says

    August 16, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Oh, Kristen. I can so relate. We’ve been going through that this year as well. He’s deploying. Wait, no he’s not. We’re PCSing. Wait, no we’re not. He’s on the hot deployment cycle and may go soon. Wait, his cycle won’t start ’til next year now, so he’s going next year. Argh, it’s enough to make a military wife pull her hair out, is it not? I totally get it.

    And you’re right, we must trust that He knows what He is doing. Thank you so much for this timely reminder.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 16, 2011 at 9:47 am

      Yup, exactly! The only thing that stays the same is change, right? Praying for you and yours right now, Shari! May we both rest in His character that never changes…

      Reply
  2. Shelly says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:47 am

    The gift of today…thank you for speaking to my heart this morning. I feel God tugging at my heart through your words. Saying a prayer for you and your family…that God keep you in the palm of His hands…no matter where you find yourself in the natural. Blessings! 🙂 (still thankful for our breakfast and impromptu meeting on that last morning of She Speaks!)

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 16, 2011 at 9:48 am

      Thank you so much, Shelly! And yes…that breakfast meeting was a highlight! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Val says

    August 21, 2011 at 2:56 am

    I hate that limbo. Because I prepare myself for both scenarios and never really feel totally prepared or present to either of them. You are right though. God is constant in those times. I am SO GLAD he stands firm where the plans of the military… Well…. . Don’t! 😉

    Reply
  4. Mandy says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    So sorry to be so late commenting here… But oh, how I can understand all that you shared! Although we have no deployment looming at this point, we are caught in a tangled mess of temporary orders with no guarantees… And no guarantee {and no plan} does not sit well with this little OCD nut, I can assure you!! Praying you have some measure of security very soon, and praying that we both can find joy and peace in the present moment!! xo

    Reply
  5. Tricia says

    August 23, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    I can so relate we are right there with you! Hoping to hear something by the end of the month…maybe?

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 23, 2011 at 11:41 pm

      Ya Tricia, maybe! Or the next month. Or the next? {Sigh} But so thankful this crazy life brought me you, Friend. Love you!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. You Are More Than You Think You Are says:
    August 17, 2011 at 9:15 am

    […] ya see? Sometimes I’m a big ol’ scaredy cat. Bigger things scare me too, like my husband’s possible year long absence. But God in the heavens tells me I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me, so I rest […]

    Reply
  2. Because It’s No Small Gift says:
    November 11, 2011 at 8:58 am

    […] kind of ways. Duty calls close to home and far away, and he always answers. Our family doesn’t know what tomorrow brings, but we do know we rank at the top of his priorities. Though circumstances change with the winds, […]

    Reply
  3. When You Need Help with Contentment Today says:
    January 12, 2012 at 10:43 am

    […] I {imperfectly} breathe thankfulness for the difficult things like a daughter’s surgery, the threat of deployment. It’s cathartic. But there there’s that expansive middle between easy and difficult, […]

    Reply

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