Fort Benning

I'm visiting Fort Benning now. I arrived on July 13 and will be here through August 11. As you probably know, I am in the Army Reserves. My career goal is to become a Chaplain for the Army. Presently however, I am serving my Reserve unit as a Company Commander and am here at Benning as an XO for a Basic Training company.

It has gone well so far. The days are kind of long, 10-14 hours, but not nearly as long as my days of pushing troops, when I was enlisted.

My family is at home. They are actually at a family reunion today. They will go to West Virginia to visit Laurie's family sometime this week.

This is my first day off since my arrival. I'm hanging out at Cup-O-Joes, a coffee shop attached to Ranger Joe's, a military clothing and gear store. I'm here for the free refills and free wi-fi.

Since I've been here, I have done little other than work, watch dvds on the computer, and read. I'm homesick.

Yesterday, I did a road march. It was short,maybe 4 miles, but I enjoyed it. I like this AT better than last year in that I feel like I'm a contributing worker. Last year, I felt unneeded and unused. It's frustrating to know that you have a certain set of skills, time and desire to use them, yet they are not wanted or utilized by others. I wonder how often people in various workplaces feel that way? As I said, this year has already been a better experience, for me.

I mentioned that I've been reading. The book that has occupied much of my attention is Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne. It is a book about a better way to be a Christian. At this point, I have read less than 1/2 of the book but I've read most of that half twice. The content is excellent. I recommend it, highly. Laurie has already read it and asked me to read it next (as opposed to several others that I have on my list of next reads). Laurie got it from Mike Ross.

Mike has turned me on to this book and to Rob Bell's books. Evan actally first introduced me to Rob Bell in video. For that, I thank them. It's amazing how a family that I see only a few times a year have so dramitically impacted my thinking.

I think if you are looking at Christianity in the world and are disappointed with what you see. You should read Rob Bell, Shaine Claiborne, and Brian McLaren.

I really believe that most Christians in America today have no clue what it means to follow Christ. Scarey words coming from a preacher.

Love to each of you; strangers and friends. -Joe