Warrior Priest

Okay, so I am not a priest as most people would think of. I am however, part of the "royal priesthood" chosen so that I may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Remember the posting on calling? If not, feel free to look it up in the archive. I am also now a warrior, having earned the privilege of wearing the Army beret by completing my initial military training today. Whew! I don't know about ya'll but there were some times I wondered if I would make it this far.
Tonight as we drove back to base after dinner, I leaned my head against the back of the seat, closed my eyes and said, "Wake me up when we're back at the hooch." My battle buddy said, "It's only 6:30." It sure felt a lot later. Of course by then I had been up for fourteen hours, been on the champion Ultimate Frisbee team (undefeated of course), marched, laughed, talked, donned berets, gotten a haircut (high and tight, although the lady thought I said "middle-aged" I am still a bit of a low-talker), registered for Spring classes at seminary, talked on the phone to my wife, changed clothes, gone shopping and eaten dinner. I am afraid of going to bed early tonight because I get to sleep in tomorrow and I don't want to spoil it.
Back home, my grandma is in the hospital, as is my mother-in-law. My wife is leaving the kids with my mom to go up and visit her mom. She asked me for my take on these things happening at home while I am away. The short answer I gave her is to trust in God's sovereignty and know that He never allows us to suffer more than we can handle. I also know that "The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:9)
I know this because I heard the confidence in my wife's voice. Yes, family was sick and dying. Yes, the car needed some maintenance for the trip. Yes, I was 3,000 miles away and unable to do anything to help. And also yes, my wife was taking care of things and being a strong, confident single parent. I hope she saves some honey-do's for me so that when I get back in two weeks I won't feel unnecessary, like a spare-tire on a ship.
In two short weeks I will be done here, at least for the time being, and back home in California. I can hardly wait to see my wife and kids and family and friends again. I have made many new friends here and learned a bit about the Army and a lot about myself, but the count-down has begun and I am in the home stretch, literally.