Semper Fi

I went for a follow-up appointment with the doctor today about my wrist-thumb ailment, which, by the way, is WAY better. I am healed and don’t need to see him again unless I find myself un-healed. Yay.

A trip to his office is a 45-minute drive from our house. The office is also much closer to civilization than our house is, so when we make the trip through the swamp to get there, we make it worth the gas. We try to shop and eat and see as much as we can while we’re there. Today was no different.

After my brief appointment, we headed a little further south for lunch at a new restaurant we had heard about. On the way, we passed the entrance to Parris Island.

I forget I live close to the place where they make Marines.

Every now and then when it is Boot Camp Graduation Day, we sometimes see the young (VERY young) uniformed men and their parents having lunch at some of the fast food places in our little town. They stop here for a quick lunch on their way back home for their first and most likely brief visit as a bone fide soldier.

I never think about them again until the next Graduation Day when I see another class and their parents having hamburgers at Wendy’s.

It’s on those days that I realize just how unaware I can be. I mean, I think Parris Island is a big deal, isn’t it? I’m sure any Marine would agree. So, here it is practically in my back yard and I forget it’s there until I drive by it or see those brand new soldiers.

I’m so unaware. I have more proof of that too…

Apparently, yesterday there was an earthquake in South Carolina. The epicenter was only 30 minutes from my house. I had no idea. I only learned of it when I heard the DJs talking about it on the radio this morning. And, this is the second earthquake here in one month’s time. Who knew??

I know there is a fault line that runs through South Carolina, but like Parris Island, I never think about it. Ever.

I don’t want to believe that I am so unaware, so clueless, so insensitive to the world around me. I’d rather think of myself as on top of things, up to date, on the cutting edge.

Alas, I must admit I am not.

I want to be culturally relevant and technologically savvy.

I try, but it all moves so fast and I can’t keep up.

Marines. Earthquakes. There are powerful forces all around me. They move and shake and change the world, and there is not much I can do about any one of them. The only thing I can do is to train my mind to be more aware that they are really there. Hopefully that will at least mentally prepare me if I ever have to meet one of them face to face.

So, I’m chaining my way of thinking. Now, when the earthquake they’ll call “The Big One” rattles the South Carolina soil, I’m going to be looking for some of those strong, young Marines from Parris Island to come and dig me out of the rubble.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13