Friday Reflection
Looking back and looking forward – it as an apt theme for the School of Infantry West.
Here we meet people at the crossroads. Most are closing the door on their childhood
and opening their first chapter of adulthood. Many are scared, many excited, many
some of both. Others learn that the aftermath of their childhood does not leave so
easily.
I will always remember one Marine I counseled. She came seeking guidance about how
to embrace the training because she was having a rough go of it. I quickly learned why.
She was the oldest child, and both her parents were alcoholics. She had spent her life
parenting her parents was well as her siblings just to survive. Through her efforts, they
had more than survive, they had thrived. As an aside, for any who assume this current
generation of young people lacks resilience, I refer them to this story. She was the very
picture of strength and resilience. What she needed now was to give herself permission
to move forward and do something for her. That is what we focused on. Life at the
crossroads.
I came to the Diocese of San Joaquin at a crossroads in my life and ministry. I came
knowing who I was not anymore. But I was searching for who I was and for a church
home where I belonged. Add to that the reality of COVID. My first visit to an Episcopal
Church was a virtual service sponsored by the Cathedral in April 2020. The restrictions
had hit that very week, and I was unable to attend Church of the Saviour in person. So
we worshipped however we could during those challenging times. I almost said the
“curse of COVID”, not the “reality of COVID”. But I do not believe COVID was a curse –
for me at least. Strange as it sounds, COVID helped me find the Episcopal Church as a
home. The sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of parishioners spoke to me deeply.
And though online, the services also spoke to me deeply and got me thinking that God
might be helping me find the place where I belong. Life at the crossroads.
Since those days, many transitions have happened. I have changed Commands for the
Navy twice and am about to move again. I began and journeyed through discernment
into priesthood – supported by you all in ways I had never experienced before. I was
ordained first a deacon, then a priest. I have met friends and come to new spiritual
understandings. In all these crossroads, your love and your support have seen me
through.
Speaking of crossroads, my time at School of Infantry is up. Friday is my last day. From
there, I am off to Guam. I had the chance yesterday to share with the Command and
spoke about life at the crossroads. I told them my faith tells me this place is a calling
and the work holy work. To describe the nature of that work, I quoted the end of the
poem “Ulysses” by Alfred Tennyson: “Tho’ much is taken, much abides: and tho’ we are
not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are we
are – one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate – but strong in
will, to strive, to seek, to find, and not yield.” Odysseus at the crossroads hoping “sail
beyond the sunset” but unsure of himself. That is the holy work of School of Infantry: to
meet people at the crossroads who are unsure if they can make it and more sure they
cannot – and show them they are enough and have strength of will “to strive, to seek, to
find, and not to yield.”
My faith also tells me, I said, that wherever anyone finds themselves in that holy work, it
is important. The janitor who cleans the bathroom on Sunday mornings, has just as sure
a calling and is worthy of just as much honor as the pastor in the pulpit. So embrace
that work because it matters.
Each one of you, as you have embraced your calling, whatever that calling is, has made
a major difference in my life and in my family’s lives. I could not be where I am today in
life, in military service, in priesthood, in chaplaincy – without your love and your living
your calling in faithfulness. You have loved me, journeyed with me, helped me find a
home, and a renewed sense of calling and service. I will be always and forever grateful
to you all. I love you and will see you around the Fleet.
The Rev. David Wooten serves as a Chaplain in the Armed Forces
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