Preach it Brother!

It is SO easy to preach. And often we don’t even know we are doing it; it comes from that irrepressible human characteristic called pride that pushes us to correct all the time… and be critical of people different than ourselves. I have noticed more and more about myself this year that I have been very critical, and quick to find fault with people different than me; or simply people that I dislike. As much as I would like to blame this attitude upon the junky food we have been eating over the summer, I know that deep down it’s a problem with pride that has to be dealt with.

So I’m fifteen. You know what exciting, thrilling freeing thing happens in Nebraska when you’re fifteen? YOU CAN DRIVE! With supervision, of course, so you can quite shaking. Anyway, so I was FINALLY going to take the test for my learners permit (which can only be taken on Fridays). So we got there… and what do you know, they wanted to make sure I was really alive and existent; they needed the birth certificate we hadn’t brought. Well, childish motive kicks in and I say “What, mom; you didn’t bring it? Awww!” Yes, I became very impatient for my permit and rather sullen and not fun to be around when I couldn’t get it. Sounds horrid, I know! And you might wonder why I am ridiculing myself on the internet… well, a couple of days ago this wonderful guy, who has been spending like nine months in an exhausting war zone, away from home and anything safe and familiar, was told on the day he was to go home for a break that he would have to wait. Mom had to stop me in the van and remind me of what our guys are going through in Iraq… and I felt like a preacher. Telling Mike to be patient and sending him bible verses when I acted so childish. So Mike (and all you guys out there), thank you for being a reminder for me; you are the best symbol of un-selfishness there is today. Thank you… and ROCK ON!

Jennifer