Context: I was packing for Pennsylvania, headed out to minister to fellow soldiers. I am near my best here. I’m (forgive the poor grammar) studied up; I’m prepped; I’ve been ‘hunkered down’ in order to know my lane, my topics, and my vocation. I love it, I truly do.

It’s all connected–my times of study, where I have to close my door and read, study, memorize, recite, and pray. But when I emerge, I’m full: I’m ready to minister, to love, to speak in ways fellow soldiers track with.

My goal? Fruit. That’s biblical metaphorical language for evidence. To hear my brothers say, “Yes. That’s actionable, Chaplain; thanks!” But to then manifest their professions, to make their theology visible.

That’s the joy. One of them, anyway. One of the joys. I concede that I do love the study; it’s my favorite place. Give me the Book, the study, a thermos of coffee, proper light, and I’m good to go.

Question: But to go where? That’s the question? It’s not for me. It’s for others. Not for me only. And I remain beyond grateful for the opportunities I’ve been granted to minister.

To whom? Soldiers and civilians, both.

And now … a song: It’s “Ventura Highway” (1972) from America.

If you’re in love with words, this one’s a gem. Here you go:

Chewin’ on a piece of grass, walkin’ down the road
Tell me, how long you gonna stay here, Joe?
Some people say this town don’t look good in snow
You don’t care, I know

Ventura Highway in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know

‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air

Wishin’ on a falling star, waitin’ for the early train
Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by a purple rain
Aw, come on Joe, you can always change your name
Thanks a lot son, just the same

Ventura Highway in the sunshine
Where the days are longer
The nights are stronger than moonshine
You’re gonna go, I know

‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair
And the days surround your daylight there
Seasons crying no despair
Alligator lizards in the air, in the air

Why such a sentimental post? Well, I reconnected with a couple of super soldiers this evening, men who do and did things physically I could never do. But they’re not braggadocious. They’re being gripped by God and His Gospel. And I’ve been a tiny part of all that God is doing in their lives. And that’s better than any Ventura Highway, no matter how spectacular the temptation.