Today, I enlisted in the Army and enrolled in the Combat Officer Training Corps. I had options, and I chose what I chose because I firmly believe that this is the pivotal point in my life where I can make the greatest difference. I have two apparent God-given gifts: I can play and write music, and I can shoot a rifle and lead people.
By choosing music, I may inspire people, comfort them, entertain them, or accomplish none of these. My family would most likely see financially difficult times due to the monetary consequences of a musician's lifestyle and I would graduate from college with thousands of dollars in debt and a pending job hunt.
By choosing to sign my name on the proverbial dotted line, I am keeping one other man home with his family every time I go away, I am securing a future of financial comfort for my family, I am paying for all of my schooling, I am helping to prevent the wars of today from becoming the wars of tomorrow, and (if I do my job as an officer) I can help bring more of our men home alive. Of course there are risks, but there are risks in everything we do. The worst thing that can happen is that I may finally get to put my down payment on the costly freedoms that I have enjoyed since birth. This is a privilege first and a sacrifice (distantly) second.
It's not like I'm being deployed tomorrow, so let's just appreciate this wonderful opportunity for what it is. Let's enjoy our guaranteed time together at all costs and just pray for the best. Even the worst isn't all bad. This is a family effort and don't believe for one second that your names aren't on that paper with mine. You are the ones with whom I will credit any success. Thank you for your love and support (We all saw this coming).
Your son,
brother,
nephew,
grandson,
cousin,
and boyfriend,
Joel James Kloster
2 comments:
Dear Joel,
We all love you dearly! God has indeed made you fearfully and wonderfully. You are such a great part of the family. Obviously, you have not entered into this lightly. And we all have to make difficult decisions in life, you have to do what you have to do!
We will BE PRAYING FOR YOU, as we have in the past and know that God has plans for you, plans for your good and for His glory. These are the plans we desire for our lives, right? Right. I am proud of you and trust the Lord entirely for your life. He is your Defender. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and take care, sweet Joel!
Joel,
you appear to have you life in order. I know that God will be with you. Best wishes for all that you desire.
Aunt Lynne
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