It was about 0100 in the morning and I had just finished my workout. I was walking back to my trailer and I was very frustrated at the events of the day. Things happened here, at work back home, and with my medical mission plans for here and Mongolia that all had me frustrated. One of the most difficult aspects about being deployed is that when things happen back home there is often very little you can do about it.
As I left my trailer to go take a shower, I started to have a good old fashioned pity party. That lasted about ten seconds before one of my favorite sections of scriptures came to mind. The verse comes from the book of Lamentations, which is a perfect place since I was lamenting my current situation.
I first discovered this chapter when I was going through a very difficult time. It was a fiery trial. I can remember reading the 3rd chapter of Lamentations and as I read I was agreeing with Jeremiah. I felt my life was horrible and I could identify with these verses,
6 responses so far ↓
1 Justin // Aug 11, 2005 at 2:33 pm
Inspiring.
2 Mudville Gazette // Aug 12, 2005 at 5:05 am
Dawn Patrol
IRAQ The South…Where to? — [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq] Abddul Aziz Al-Hakim the head of the SCIRI called to day for the formation of a federal state in the south of Iraq and Hadi Al-Amiri chief…
3 Mudville Gazette // Aug 12, 2005 at 5:11 am
Dawn Patrol
IRAQ The South…Where to? — [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq] Abddul Aziz Al-Hakim the head of the SCIRI called to day for the formation of a federal state in the south of Iraq and Hadi Al-Amiri chief…
4 Mudville Gazette // Aug 12, 2005 at 5:15 am
Dawn Patrol
IRAQ The South…Where to? — [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq] Abddul Aziz Al-Hakim the head of the SCIRI called to day for the formation of a federal state in the south of Iraq and Hadi Al-Amiri chief…
5 Amanda // Aug 12, 2005 at 7:53 am
I just want to say thank you for posting these letters from Duke. I’ve been reading each one and am truly blessed by his faithfulness, his insight, by the work the Lord is doing in him and through him.
What an example of serving the Lord wherever you are, and of seeking Him and His glory first and foremost. His family has a godly man leading it, even from across the sea. Thank you Lord for such an example.
I imagine his wife thanks the Lord for him, also; she must be a strong and brave woman – a godly woman – relying upon God’s grace and her brethren as her man is far away. His children have a father who loves God, and loves them. I pray they know how much, even while he is away. May You bless this family and keep them, Father. May Your face shine upon them and bring them peace. And dear God, may you bring Duke home safely to be with his loved ones on this earth and love them with a heart that loves You more. Still, in all things, Your will be done. Your grace is sufficient for all that may entail. In Christ’s name.
Thank you all for loving Jesus, because He first loved you.
Your sister and fellow pilgrim,
Amanda
6 susan // Aug 13, 2005 at 6:56 am
All I know, sitting secure in my apartment, is that my pity parties are really rather petty.