Monday, September 2, 2013

Greatest Job in the World

I know it has been quite a while since my last post, but I've been busy taking a vacation in Europe, driving across country and settling in at the new command. Seeing how I'm out to sea again tomorrow I figured I'd stop by here briefly and provide a glimpse into life with the Surface Warriors.

The hours are essentially the same, just replace all the time out in the field with time underway (especially this month as I am underway at least one day each week this month). So instead of spending nights out in the woods under the stars, I spend the night floating on the ocean in a bed and can go to the bridge wing to see the stars. And if the ship pulls in late I get to see San Diego from the harbor at night, which is an amazing sight and make me glad I was called to ministry in the Navy.

I deal with the same types of issues with Sailors that Marines face, just a bit more in demand due to a larger number of people in this command. During Chaplain school there seemed to be a bit of an urban legend that only the Marines knew how to utilize chaplains and would treat us better than the Navy. Based on my experience with 6 different command I can say that isn't the case. Every ship in our squadron wants their own chaplain which makes my services in demand and they roll out the red carpet for me when I am on board. It has been a great 6 weeks so far and I expect it will be just as rewarding and exciting when they force me to move in two years.

I can't think of a better calling than as a Navy Chaplain. Its never dull and we get to live in wonderful cities and work with amazing people.

Just one view from my "office:"