The Smoke Pit

I so enjoyed a call from my son the other day. The caller ID showing his name and the delight of answering to hear his voice on the other end. The listening as he shared with me the exact location where he is making his call and the description of life happening for him right now in the Army. He’s in transition, and with all transitions, there is the uncomfortable and awkward stage of something ending and yet the new thing hasn’t quite begun. He’s stuck there for a short time. And I smile as I hear him share his goals for his life and how those goals keep him moving forward when life could feel rather lonely and dull. His company just recently graduated and most have been transferred to their new posts. His roommate having been transferred to Japan just the day before. My son dreams of doing just that, but has to continue on at the Fort he is located at for another few months. You see, he applied for a higher position in satellite communications. It’s an extremely hard post to become accepted in because it requires a certain level of academic achievement and leadership skills. When he applied, he wasn’t sure he’d be accepted, but he received news that he was indeed one of the twenty five chosen. It’s news that excited him but also brings with it the hardship of waiting. The hardship of staying while others go off to exciting destinations. The unknowns. The feeling of being in limbo because communication and details aren’t always relayed to everyone in a timely fashion.

While he waits, he says that he sits for hours each day in the smoke pit. I had no idea what that was and asked him about it. He told me it was where all the guys go to smoke - a sandy area where one can sit and relax and talk while you smoke. He goes there and chats with the guys as they come and go.

My heart smiled as he told me about his days spent in limbo. Of all the places he could go, he chooses to be there...in this place. And although he may hate it that I think like this, that son of mine has a heart for people. I’ve always thought of him as Pastor Nate. I imagine him sitting in that place, listening....offering smiles and words of hope and encouragement to those guys as they come. His smile is truly lit. I love how his eyes sparkle with genuine and heartfelt care. And I know that God is leading his life and nurturing the call He placed in my sons heart. Gods Spirit lives in him and I can trust God’s plan and purpose for each of my children.

I’m so proud of my children and I know God is moving them in ways for His purpose and glory. His future bride. He is building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!