Uncertain future

Of course, the future is always uncertain. In fact, ‘uncertain’ is just a very kind way of saying “absolutely beyond the scope of our ability to control or predict outside of divine revelation.” Rather than tell a 2^nd hand story here, I’m talking about my own future. What was expected to be a routine extension of my orders that would allow me to serve well into 2007 has turned out to be not so routine. There are at least two opposed schools of thought regarding my orders, and though I have my own opinions about who is interpreting the situation ‘correctly,’ the ‘school’ that is rejecting the continuation of my orders has the upper hand. At stake is a two week R&R trip that I was going to take shortly to spend some time with Sheryl and Joshua—a trip I do not ‘rate’ if I am prevented from serving a full tour in theatre. As it stands, the R&R trip is canceled, my orders will end prior to the completion of my tour, and continued Active service beyond the end of those orders is in doubt.

I believe that the Marine Corps is God’s instrument for directing my future, not vice versa, and there are pros and cons to either situation. Since I cannot ‘see’ the future, it is difficult for me to ‘champion’ either position, as for me comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the options is like comparing apples and oranges (as opposed to comparing apples with apples). Please pray for the ability to take full ownership and to be ‘fully invested’ in the directives, laws (we’re talking Title 10 United States Code, here) and orders that ultimately resolve this situation.

Semper Fi, Jon G.